Two owners of high performance Mercedes AMG vehicles have launched a class action lawsuit against the luxury automaker, alleging that a design flaw in the seating turns a brand symbol into a dangerous heating element. The plaintiffs claim that the raised metallic AMG logo embedded in the driver’s seat reaches temperatures high enough to cause physical burns, effectively branding passengers who come into direct contact with the emblem.
The legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court of California’s Western division, centers on experiences shared by Gabriel Lahijani and Karendeep Bath. According to court documents, Lahijani suffered second degree burns on his back after getting into his 2026 E-Class while wearing a tank top. A dermatologist later confirmed the injuries were consistent with a thermal burn specifically shaped like the AMG inscription. Similarly, Bath reports receiving burns on her shoulder under nearly identical circumstances after returning to her parked car while wearing a sleeveless top.
Seeking compensation for medical expenses along with pain and suffering, the duo is asking the court to force Mercedes to reimburse affected owners and fund the removal of the logos from these vehicles. They argue that because of where the logo is positioned, it is reasonably expected to touch an occupant’s neck, shoulder, or upper back, making it a significant safety hazard during warm weather when drivers wear less clothing.
This latest legal headache comes shortly after Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler AG settled separate allegations regarding emissions cheating for nearly 150 million dollars. While that previous case focused on software used to deceive environmental tests across thousands of diesel vehicles, this current suit highlights concerns over interior safety standards. Representatives for Mercedes-Benz could not be reached for immediate comment regarding the claims.