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Mercedes M274 Engine Defect Causing Headaches For Owners

A complaint has been filed against Mercedes for a catastrophic defect in its vehicles that could result in a disastrous engine failure. Filed in New Jersey federal court, it alleges that the engine pistons in certain 2015 – 2016 Mercedes vehicles equipped with M274 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine models are prone to cracking and breaking, resulting in engine failure. The class action lawsuit was on behalf of plaintiffs from around the country who say they have experienced the problem. Owners who have been struggling with this issue need to know their legal options. Read on for more information on this story.

An Inside Story

Mercedes Benz is being sued for allegedly selling vehicles with M274 engines that have a high risk of piston failure. According to the event story, plaintiffs say they have been left with faulty and expensive cars to repair. The main plaintiff, who owns a 2016 Mercedes Benz C300, claims she started noticing her vehicle was losing power and making strange noises. She took the car to an authorized Mercedes dealer for service and was told that the engine needed to be replaced due to a piston defect. 

It’s not the first time the Mercedes C 300 has been affected by engine issues. In a relatively recent event, it was reported that an owner of the C300 was driving his model 2015 on the freeway at 70 miles per hour when he suddenly heard a popping sound. His car began to shake violently, causing him to panic since he had no place to pull over. The C300 eventually stopped in the middle of traffic, and the engine started smoking. The driver was able to get the car towed to a nearby Mercedes-Benz dealership, where he was informed that the engine had seized and would need to be replaced. 

The lawsuit alleges that Mercedes knew or should have known about the piston defect but failed to disclose it to consumers. It also accuses the automaker of breaching its warranty obligations by refusing to repair the engines free of charge.

Mercedes “Turned a Deaf Ear” to Problems Plaguing Vehicles

Mercedes has been known for its luxurious vehicles and outstanding customer service for years. However, the company has recently come under fire for allegedly turning a deaf ear to the problems plaguing its cars. In particular, many customers have complained about electrical problems with their vehicles, stating that the cars lose power and shut down without warning. While Mercedes has yet to release an official statement on the matter, many customers feel that the company is not doing enough to address the problem. 

M274 Engine and Alleged Defect in Mercedes

The M274 engine is a turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine that was first used in the Mercedes C300 in 2013. Several Mercedes models use this engine, including the C-Class, E-Class, GLE, and GLC. The lawsuit alleges that the M274 engine is defective and prone to excessive oil consumption. The problem is said to cause a knocking noise, power loss, and engine failure. This problem has been so severe that some owners have been forced to tow their vehicles to the dealer. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the engine may suffer from timing chain failure, turbocharger failure, and cylinder head cracking. These-alleged defects can lead to costly repairs. 

Critical Consequences of the Defect

If the defect affects your vehicle directly, you must be aware of the possible risks. The most common symptom of the problem is engine vibration, which can also lead to engine failure. Cars have caught fire in rare cases due to balance shaft failure. However, no accidents or injuries have been reported due to the problem.

Applicable Mercedes Models

The issue may affect Mercedes-2015 C300 models and Mercedes-2016 models. That involves the M274 turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. The lawsuit alleges that the engine suffers from a design defect that causes it to consume excessive amounts of oil, leading to engine failure. As a result of the defect, owners and lessees have had to pay for expensive repairs and replacements. You may be entitled to compensation if you have experienced problems with your vehicle’s M274 engine. Please contact our Lemon Firm for a free consultation. We would be happy to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

Criteria to File a Claim

If you own a car with an M274 engine, you may be able to join this proposed class action. You must meet certain criteria set forth by the court. For example, you must have purchased or leased your vehicle from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer within the United States. You will also need copies of your purchase or lease documents and your vehicle’s service history. Suppose you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria for joining the proposed class action or have questions about your legal rights. In that case, we encourage you to reach out to an experienced attorney at lemon Firm for more information.

Step-by-Step Guide – Check Your Vehicle

The first step is to go to the portal created by the settlement administrator. A list of qualifying models can be found on the homepage under the Affected Vehicles tab. If your car is not on the list, you can’t make a claim. Otherwise, if your vehicle is listed on the site, go ahead and file a claim. You will need both your contact information and your vehicle’s identification number (VIN), which can be found on your vehicle’s insurance or registration card. The value of your reimbursement will vary based on several variables, including when or whether your car was sold or leased. Consider Lemon Firm Attorneys for a FREE consultation, updates, and assistance in claiming procedures.

Bottom line

Mercedes Benz has been tight-lipped about the issue, but it’s good to see that the NHTSA is taking owners’ complaints seriously and investigating the matter. If you have owned or currently own a vehicle with the M274 engine, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers are here to help build your lemon law case and get you the resolution you deserve. 

Don’t hesitate to call us today for a FREE evaluation of your potential claim. We can be reached 24/7 at (833) Lemon Firm!

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.