Class Action
Podhurst Orseck Secures Class Certification in Mercedes-Benz Airbag MDL
March 2025 – A Florida federal judge has granted class certification to Mercedes-Benz drivers in the multidistrict litigation involving allegedly defective airbags, marking a significant step forward for vehicle owners seeking collective relief.
Podhurst Orseck partner Peter Prieto serves as Lead Counsel for the certified class. Following the ruling, Prieto noted in comments to Law360 that the decision is consistent with Eleventh Circuit precedent and represents an important victory for consumers.
U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno found that the plaintiffs presented common questions suitable for classwide resolution, concluding that class treatment is the most efficient way to address allegations that Mercedes-Benz equipped certain vehicles with defective airbags. The lawsuit alleges that the airbags pose a serious safety risk and that the automaker failed to disclose the defects to drivers and passengers.
The litigation forms part of a broader landscape of high-stakes airbag cases. In June 2023, Podhurst Orseck secured class certification on behalf of approximately six million Fiat Chrysler owners in a related MDL involving Takata airbags.
With class certification now in place, the Mercedes-Benz airbag case will proceed toward further merits litigation. Podhurst Orseck will continue pursuing full accountability and compensation for affected vehicle owners.
Additional reporting on this matter can be found in Law360.