News Channel Update |
TO:

Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Service
Managers, Warranty Administrators and Bookers

HVAC Service Warranty Coverage:
204 and 205 C-Class (model years 2008-2019);
204 GLK-Class (model years 2010-2015);
218 CLS-Class (model years 2012-2017);
207, 212 and 213 E-Class (model years 2010-2019);
156 GLA-Class (model years 2015-2019);
166 GL-Class (model years 2013-2016);
166 GLE-Class (model years 2016-2019);
166 GLS-Class (model years 2017-2019);
166 M-Class (model years 2012-2015);
253 GLC-Class (model years 2016-2019)
RE:

Engineering Services
FROM: Joe Haller, Department Manager, Warranty
Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis

DATE: May 18, 2020

HVAC SERVICE WARRANTY COVERAGE
(Not Effective Until December 7, 2020 at the Earliest [see below])
To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its
core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims
relating to alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale
warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating
from the HVAC system—although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially
approved and other events occur; likely not until December 7, 2020 at the earliest (see below). If
the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include cleaning of the evaporator and replacement
of the HVAC filters.
Which Vehicles: The warranty coverage provided by the settlement applies to the following vehicle
types (“Subject Vehicles”):
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204 and 205 C-Class (model years 2008-2019)
204 GLK-Class (model years 2010-2015)
218 CLS-Class (model years 2012-2017)
207, 212 and 213 E-Class (model years 2010-2019)
156 GLA-Class (model years 2015-2019)
166 GL-Class (model years 2013-2016)
166 GLE-Class (model years 2016-2019)
166 GLS-Class (model years 2017-2019)
166 M-Class (model years 2012-2015)
253 GLC-Class (model years 2016-2019)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Daimler Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

News Channel Update |

Engineering Services

What Is Covered: The warranty coverage provided by the settlement covers only cleaning the
evaporator and replacing the HVAC filters in Subject Vehicles to address confirmed mold or mildew
type odors originating in the Subject Vehicle’s HVAC system (“Qualified Repair”).
What Is Not Covered: The warranty coverage provided by the settlement does not apply to other
types of issues concerning the HVAC system (e.g., inoperable, not hot/cold enough, etc.). Nor does
it apply to odors from the HVAC system not attributable to mold or mildew (e.g., burning or fuel
smells). These other types of HVAC issues that may present should be treated in the ordinary course
of business without regard to this warranty.
When Does Coverage Begin?: Coverage under the extended warranty will not take effect until the
settlement receives final approval from the court and all rights to appeal have been exhausted. The final
approval hearing is currently scheduled to take place on September 9, 2020. Assuming the court grants
final approval and there are no appeals, the parties have agreed that class members may begin
presenting for extended warranty coverage on December 7, 2020. Until such time, customers should be
advised to visit the settlement website (www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com) to stay apprised of
developments.
What are the Conditions for Coverage: To qualify for coverage of a Qualified Repair, each of the
following requirements must be satisfied with respect to the Subject Vehicle:
•

The customer requesting coverage must provide proof that the Subject Vehicle’s currently
installed HVAC filter is a Mercedes-Benz brand or other approved filter. Such proof includes,
but is not limited to, an authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center (“Service Center”)
employee examining the filter and determining it is a Mercedes-Benz brand or other
approved filter, a Service Center invoice indicating installation of a Mercedes-Benz brand or
other approved filter into the Subject Vehicle, or a receipt of purchase of a Mercedes-Benz
brand or other approved filter that was self-installed.

•

The customer requesting coverage must provide proof that the Subject Vehicle timely
received proper service in reasonable compliance with the Subject Vehicle’s maintenance
schedule for the two service intervals immediately prior to the requested repair. Such proof
includes, but is not limited to, documentation from a Service Center or independent service
provider indicating the Subject Vehicle’s maintenance history; information found in the
Service Center’s own service records for the Subject Vehicle; or receipts of parts and
materials used for maintenance performed by the customer.

•

A service technician at the Service Center where coverage is requested must perform the
odor diagnostic procedure attached to LI.00.00-P-066046 or any successor documents, and
verify that the source of the odor in the Subject Vehicle is mold or mildew type odors
originating from the HVAC system.

•

The Subject Vehicle must not have more than 10 years or 125,000 miles from the Subject
Vehicle’s original in-service date, whichever occurs first.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Daimler Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600

News Channel Update |

Engineering Services

What are the Terms of the Warranty and Extended Warranty: Coverage for Qualified Repairs
will vary depending on the time period during which the Qualified Repair occurs, as follows:
•

Period One is defined as the time period during which the Subject Vehicle has fewer than 4
years or 50,000 miles from the Subject Vehicle’s original in-service date, whichever occurs
first, or otherwise has full coverage for a Qualified Repair under another warranty. Qualified
Repairs that occur during Period One shall be covered for 100% of the cost of the Qualified
Repair.

•

Period Two is defined as the time period from the end of Period One until the Subject Vehicle
has fewer than 8 years or 100,000 miles from the Subject Vehicle’s original in-service date,
whichever occurs first. Qualified Repairs that occur during Period Two and exceed any
warranty/extended warranty coverage shall be covered for 70% of the cost of the Qualified
Repair.

•

Period Three is defined as the time period from the end of Period Two until the Subject
Vehicle has fewer than 10 years or 125,000 miles from the Subject Vehicle’s original inservice date, whichever occurs first. Qualified Repairs that occur during Period Three shall be
covered for 50% of the cost of the Qualified Repair.

•

There will be no coverage for Qualified Repairs that occur after the end of Period Three (i.e.
more than 10 years or 125,000 miles from the Subject Vehicle’s original in-service date,
whichever occurs first).

This warranty and warranty extension applies to covered vehicles regardless of ownership, as long as
the terms and conditions of coverage above are satisfied.
The warranty does not cover any components or labor other than cleaning the evaporator and
replacing the HVAC filter (e.g., replacement of the evaporator or HVAC box is not covered). Check to
determine whether there is other warranty coverage for any additional repairs. Standard warranty
terms and exclusions apply to all other components.
Service Packages: Information on the Service Packages and Damage Code will be provided before
the Effective Date.

While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level
of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to open a Warranty Services case online.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes-Benz Drive

A Daimler Company

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770.705.0600