Two Mercedes-AMG owners in the United States have launched a proposed class action lawsuit against the luxury carmaker, claiming the metallic AMG logo fitted to the driver’s seat became hot enough to cause burn injuries.
The lawsuit was filed in a California court by Gabriel Lahijani and Karendeep “Karina” Bath, who allege that the raised logo on certain AMG front seats can come into direct contact with a driver’s upper back, neck or shoulder.
Lahijani, who lives in Los Angeles, had leased a new 2026 Mercedes-AMG E-Class from an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership, according to the court filing.
He claims he suffered first- and second-degree burns on his back on May 31 after driving while wearing a tank top. A dermatologist reportedly documented the injury and described it as an “AMG inscribed” burn.
The lawsuit alleges that the metallic badge can become extremely hot when the vehicle is exposed to sunlight, creating a potential burn hazard for drivers wearing clothing that leaves parts of their upper body exposed.
Bath allegedly experienced a similar incident around six weeks later after entering her Mercedes-AMG, which had been parked in hot conditions, while wearing a sleeveless top.
According to the court document, her shoulder came into contact with the AMG logo almost immediately, causing a burning sensation. A mark resembling the shape of the logo later darkened on her skin and was described in the filing as consistent with a thermal contact burn.
The two plaintiffs are seeking compensation from Mercedes for medical costs as well as alleged pain, suffering and emotional distress arising from their injuries.
They are also asking the court to require Mercedes to cover the cost of removing the metallic logo from vehicles owned by other customers who may face the same alleged problem.
The lawsuit centres on what the plaintiffs describe as a design defect involving the placement and construction of the AMG logo, although the allegations have yet to be proven in court.
Mercedes-Benz has been contacted for comment on the claims.
