Mercedes Faces US Class Action Over AMG Seat Badge Burns, Pays $149.6 Million in Diesel Settlement

Two US owners of Mercedes-Benz AMG models have filed a class-action lawsuit in the California federal district court, alleging that metal badges on the front seats of certain vehicles constitute a design defect that can cause contact burns to occupants' skin in high temperatures. The plaintiffs are asking Mercedes-Benz to cover medical claims and to fund the removal of the offending badges from affected vehicles. According to the complaint, the affected models feature raised metal badges embedded in the front seat backs, in a position that can come into direct contact with an occupant's upper back, neck, or shoulders.

The plaintiffs, Gabriel Rashijani of Los Angeles and California resident Karendip Bass, suffered burn incidents in May and July 2026, respectively. Both were wearing sleeveless tops when entering vehicles parked outdoors, and their shoulders and backs touched the metal badges, which had heated up after prolonged sun exposure, leaving red marks in the outline of the "AMG" lettering. Dermatological examination confirmed the injuries as first-degree to second-degree burns caused by thermal contact.

The plaintiffs are demanding that Mercedes-Benz cover all related medical expenses and subsequent compensation, and they emphasize that the company has a responsibility to remove the hazardous badges free of charge for other owners facing the same safety risk. To date, Mercedes-Benz has not publicly responded to the class action.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz faces additional legal disputes in the United States. Court documents show that Mercedes-Benz US and its parent company agreed in December 2025 to pay $149.6 million to settle with a coalition of state attorneys general over allegations that illegal software was installed on more than 210,000 diesel vehicles produced between 2008 and 2016 to evade tailpipe emissions tests.