One of Germany's longest-running automobile makers, Mercedes-Benz is a division of Daimler AG. The company traces its roots to a merger between two of the world's oldest automakers. In fact, the company originated from the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, who most consider the first gasoline-powered automobile.
Mercedes is currently known for its luxury vehicles, but they also have a reputation for manufacturing much larger vehicles like buses, coaches, and trucks. Today they are the largest luxury vehicle manufacturer in the world.
Mercedes Models and California Vehicle Defects
With the largest sales volume of any luxury automaker worldwide, it's no surprise that Mercedes-Benz has a deep roster of popular models. When it comes to commercial vehicles, they make everything from subcompact coupes to full-size sports utility vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is one of the brand's most popular models. The A-Class entered production in 1997 and has been manufactured continuously ever since. A subcompact executive class vehicle, the A-Class has grown in size from its early days as a pure subcompact sedan. It comes as either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback.
The E-Class is the executive sedan in Mercedes-Benz's lineup. First released in 1993, the E-Class is the predecessor to the Mercedes W124. Historically the best-selling model for Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class is available in four and five-door models.
Mercedes-Benz is known for more than just luxury sedans. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a full-size luxury SUV that has been in production since 2006. This large SUV has three rows and seven passenger seats, making it the flagship of Mercedes SUV models.
The company is also known for manufacturing compact crossover SUVs as well. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the brand's most popular crossover SUV. First manufactured in 2013, the GLA is a four-door crossover that comes with the choice of front or all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz Safety Ratings
As you might expect with a luxury brand, the safety ratings for most Mercedes-Benz vehicles are excellent. One of their highest-rated models is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The GLC is a 2019 Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is due in large part to the perfect score for crashworthiness the vehicle gets. The only score the GLC gets that isn't perfect is its “Acceptable” rating for the ease of use of child safety seat latches.
Another IIHS Top Safety Pick is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In fact, the E-Class is one of the few vehicles rated by the IIHS to have a perfect score across the board. You shouldn't be surprised though; the E-Class has received a perfect score every year since 2017.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also has a sterling safety reputation. This sedan is also a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the 2019 model has a perfect safety score across the board. While the C-Class safety rating has always been good, this is the first year Mercedes-Benz has been able to improve the C-Class' “Poor” headlight rating.
Mercedes-Benz Recalls, Defects, and Safety Issues
The high marks Mercedes-Benz receives for safety may be comforting, but the company has had its fair share of defects and safety issues. While some of those issues have not yet been acknowledged by the company, many of them have been addressed by company recalls. To see if your Mercedes-Benz is subject to a recall, you can search their website using your VIN to find out.
Front Seat Instability Issues for Mercedes
In a move that affects more than 22,000 vehicles, Mercedes-Benz recalled multiple C-Class and E-Class vehicles from model years 2018 and 2018. The recall relates to the front two seats in the vehicle. The issue is with the locking mechanism for both seatbacks. In some instances, the seatbacks won't lock, which can throw a driver or passenger forward on a sudden stop. What's more, the issue could also potentially launch items in the storage pocket on the back of the seat into the air and potentially injuring someone.
Mercedes Brake Failure
A faulty part from a supplier has led to performance issues on a number of braking systems in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The failure has led to a recall of more than 9,000 GLE and GLS SUVs from model year 2018. The malfunctioning brake part can prevent the brake from fully engaging, which can cause a vehicle to fail to come to a full stop in time. According to Mercedes, the part can be fixed without the need of replacement.
Mercedes Door Malfunction
In April of 2019, Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for 2019 model CLA vehicles due to an issue with the front passenger door. A faulty part in the door's locking mechanism can cause the doors to stick and remain shut even when the lock is not engaged. This is especially troublesome, as the door may not be opened from the outside after a crash. The issue cannot be repaired, meaning every affected vehicle will require a new door locking system.
Airbag Explosions
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are some of the many autos affected by the massive Takata airbag recall. The recall is due to the tendency for the airbags to explode – a phenomenon that has injured more than 250 people and left 15 dead in the United States alone. The issue relates to Takata's use of ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbag. As time goes on, the ammonium nitrate becomes unstable, which can cause the airbag to explode.
Mercedes Problems in California? Discuss Your Options With an Attorney and Get the Help You Need.
Mercedes-Benz may be one of the world's most popular luxury brands, but it has its fair share of mechanical failures and design flaws. If you are experiencing an issue with your Mercedes-Benz, you may have a claim under the California Lemon Law. To learn about your rights and the potential for a monetary recovery, contact The Lemon Lawyer today for a free consultation.