‘Mars Red’ Mercedes Paint Class Settlement Upheld on Appeal

The class settlement between drivers, Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, and Daimler AG over their cars’ allegedly flawed “Mars Red” automotive paint has survived an appeals court challenge.

The deal, which reimburses drivers for past repairs and provides warranty coverage for future paint problems, is fair and there was no improper collusion by attorneys, the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed Monday.

Robert Ponzio and others sued the automakers in the District of New Jersey in 2018, alleging that Mars Red paint peels, bubbles, and flakes, causing corrosion and decreasing the vehicles’ market value.

Shortly thereafter, Emily Pinion and ...