Mercedes-AMG Faces Class Action Over 'Burning' Seat Logos
Drivers allege metallic AMG emblems absorb extreme heat, causing skin burns that mirror the brand's logo.
Two Mercedes-AMG drivers have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz, alleging that metallic seat logos pose a significant burn hazard to occupants. The plaintiffs claim the luxury vehicle's design allows seat badges to reach dangerous temperatures, resulting in physical injuries.
According to the lawsuit filed in a U.S. federal court in California, drivers Karendeep "Karina" Bath and Gabriel Lahijani allege that the metallic AMG logo badges on the driver's seats absorb and retain extreme heat when vehicles are parked in direct sunlight. The plaintiffs argue that because the logos are raised and made of metal rather than being printed or stitched into the upholstery, they make direct contact with the occupant's skin. This contact reportedly results in burns that mirror the shape of the AMG emblem.
The California Heat Factor
The incidents occurred in Los Angeles, California, during periods of extreme heat. The plaintiffs contend that the positioning of the logo makes it likely to contact an occupant's shoulder, neck, or upper back, particularly when the driver is wearing sleeveless clothing. The lawsuit suggests that the choice of materials for these emblems creates a liability, as the metal retains heat far more effectively than the surrounding seat materials.
Industry Implications
This case highlights a critical intersection of luxury aesthetics and passenger safety. While metallic accents are common in high-end automotive interiors, this litigation suggests that such design choices can become hazardous under specific environmental conditions. If the court determines that the metallic badges constitute a defective design, Mercedes-Benz could face a widespread recall or be forced to modify the seating across multiple AMG models to prevent further passenger injuries.
Next Steps
As the legal process moves forward, the court will determine if the case can proceed as a class action, which would allow other affected AMG owners to join the suit. It remains to be seen whether Mercedes-Benz will issue a formal response or implement a design change to replace the metallic emblems with safer alternatives. For now, the focus remains on whether the current design meets federal safety standards for interior materials.