Mercedes-Benz Diesel Emissions Settlement 2026: How to Claim Your $2,000 Payment

A bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general reached a $149,673,750 settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, resolving violations of consumer and environmental protection laws stemming from Mercedes installing illegal emissions-cheating software in its diesel vehicles. Eligible owners and lessees of affected vehicles can receive $2,000 by getting the required emissions repair done and submitting a valid claim by September 30, 2026.

Quick Facts

Field	Detail
Settlement Amount	$149,673,750
Cash Payment Per Vehicle	$2,000 (after Approved Emissions Modification)
Extended Warranty Value	Estimated $1,200 per vehicle
Total Potential Value	Up to $347 million including repairs and warranties
Claim Deadline	September 30, 2026
Vehicles Covered	2009–2016 BlueTEC diesel passenger cars and vans — 15 models
Geographic Scope	48 states, Puerto Rico, and District of Columbia
Proof Required	Yes — Approved Emissions Modification must be completed first
Settlement Status	Final — announced December 23, 2025
Administrator	Mercedes-Benz USA (direct notice to eligible owners)
Contact	BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com or 1-833-841-9362

What Is This Settlement About?

The Defeat Device Scandal

A multistate coalition of attorneys general found that Mercedes equipped more than 211,000 diesel cars and vans with defeat device software between model years 2009 and 2016. The software caused the vehicles’ emission control systems to work harder during official lab tests, then scale back in normal driving — allowing the cars to emit far more pollution than legally permitted.

The undisclosed software enabled vehicles to far exceed legal limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions — a harmful pollutant that causes respiratory illness and contributes to the formation of smog. Mercedes marketed these same vehicles as environmentally friendly and clean diesel.

How the Investigation Unfolded

Attorney General James and the coalition launched an investigation in 2020 following the conclusion of a similar federal investigation. As part of a nine-state executive committee, the office reviewed more than 350,000 documents and interviewed numerous witnesses.

The settlement was announced December 23, 2025, and was co-led by the attorneys general of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, and Texas, joined by attorneys general of 41 additional states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

What Mercedes Said

Mercedes-Benz denied the allegations but agreed to the settlement to resolve the multistate claims. The company also agreed to implement sweeping internal reforms and comply with new reporting requirements going forward.

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Which Vehicles Are Covered?

Covered Makes and Models

The settlement applies to 15 models of BlueTEC II diesel passenger cars and vans with model years from 2009 to 2016. Covered vehicles include the E-Class, GL/GLK/GLE, ML, R-Class, S-Class, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter vans.

Specific covered models confirmed in court documents include:

Model	Years Covered
ML320 BlueTEC	2009
ML350 BlueTEC	2010–2014
ML250 BlueTEC	2015
GL320 BlueTEC	2009
GL350 BlueTEC	2010–2016
R320 BlueTEC	2009
R350 BlueTEC	2010–2012
S350 BlueTEC	2012–2013
E350 BlueTEC	2011–2013
E250 BlueTEC	2014–2016
GLK250 BlueTEC	2013–2015
GLE300d	2016
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter	2010–2016
Freightliner Sprinter	2010–2016

Not sure if your vehicle is covered? Enter your VIN at BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com to check eligibility instantly.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for the $2,000 payment if:

• You currently own or lease one of the covered BlueTEC diesel vehicles listed above
• Your vehicle falls within the 2009–2016 model years
• Your vehicle is located in one of the 48 covered states, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia
• You complete the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before submitting your claim
• You submit a valid claim by September 30, 2026

Mercedes is required to mail notices directly to eligible owners and lessees explaining how to participate. Mercedes must also immediately pay $120 million to the coalition states, with the remaining $29.6 million suspended and reduced by $750 for each affected vehicle Mercedes repairs, takes off the market, or buys back.

How Much Can You Receive?

Cash Payment

Mercedes must provide $2,000 payments to eligible owners and lessees whose vehicles receive an Approved Emissions Modification.

Extended Warranty

Mercedes will also provide an extended emissions warranty for vehicles that receive the modification, worth an estimated $1,200 each according to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown.

Total Value Per Vehicle

The combined value — $2,000 cash plus the $1,200 extended warranty — puts the total benefit at approximately $3,200 per eligible vehicle. The total value of the settlement could reach $347 million, according to state attorneys general.

How to Claim Your $2,000

Step 1 — Check Your Vehicle’s Eligibility

Enter your VIN at BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com or call 1-833-841-9362 to confirm your vehicle is covered and that an Approved Emissions Modification is available for your specific model.

Step 2 — Schedule Your Free Emissions Repair

Book an appointment at any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. The Approved Emissions Modification is performed free of charge. You must have this repair completed before submitting your claim.

Step 3 — Watch for Your Direct Notice

Mercedes is required to mail notices directly to eligible owners and lessees explaining how to participate. Check the address Mercedes has on file for your vehicle’s registration.

Step 4 — Submit Your Claim by September 30, 2026

Follow the instructions in your mailed notice to submit your claim. Keep your repair documentation and dealer confirmation as proof.

Estimated time to complete: 15 minutes (after the free repair is done)

Important Deadlines & Dates

Milestone	Date
Settlement Announced	December 23, 2025
Owner Notice Mailed By Mercedes	Ongoing — check your mail
Claim Filing Deadline	September 30, 2026
Opt-Out Deadline	TBD
Final Approval Hearing	TBD
Expected Payment Date	TBD — after claim verification

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as the previous $700 million Mercedes settlement?

No. These are two entirely separate settlements. The prior $700 million class action settlement — administered through mbbluetecsettlement.com — had a claim deadline of October 1, 2022 and is fully closed. This new $149.6 million settlement was announced by 50 attorneys general in December 2025 and has a September 30, 2026 deadline. If you missed the 2022 settlement, you may still qualify for this one.

Is this settlement legitimate?

Yes. This settlement was announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James alongside a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general. It is a government-led enforcement action — not a private class action. The official contact is BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com and 1-833-841-9362.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

No. This settlement is administered directly by Mercedes-Benz, and Mercedes is required to mail notices to eligible owners. You do not need a lawyer to complete the emissions repair or submit your claim.

When will I receive my payment?

Payment timing depends on when you complete the emissions repair and submit your claim. Mercedes must verify each claim individually. Submit as early as possible before the September 30, 2026 deadline to allow maximum processing time.

What if I already sold my covered vehicle?

The $2,000 payment applies to current owners and lessees who complete the AEM repair. If you previously owned a covered vehicle and sold it, you may not qualify for this specific consumer payment — but check your mailed notice for details specific to your situation.

Does this settlement also cover the Hazdovac emissions warranty settlement?

No. These are two completely separate cases. The Mercedes-Benz emissions parts warranty settlement — with a May 15, 2026 deadline — covers 2015 and newer gasoline vehicles in 17 states for out-of-pocket repair reimbursements. This diesel defeat device settlement covers 2009–2016 diesel BlueTEC vehicles in 48 states. You may qualify for both if you own different vehicles that fall under each settlement.

Will the $2,000 payment affect my taxes?

Possibly. Settlement payments related to vehicle repairs or emissions modifications may be treated as a reduction in repair costs rather than taxable income — but this depends on your individual tax situation. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

Sources & References

• New York Attorney General — Official Settlement Announcement, December 23, 2025 (official government source)
• New Jersey Attorney General — Official Settlement Announcement, December 23, 2025 (official government source)
• BlueTecUpdate.mbusa.com — Official Mercedes-Benz Settlement and Repair Website (official Mercedes-Benz resource — VIN check and repair scheduling.

Last Updated: March 21, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal claims and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice regarding a particular situation, consult a qualified attorney.