Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced a multistate settlement totaling nearly $150 million with Mercedes-Benz USA and its parent company, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. The agreement resolves allegations that the automaker misled consumers and violated environmental laws by installing hidden software in diesel vehicles to cheat emissions tests.
A coalition of 50 attorneys general determined that Mercedes sold more than 211,000 diesel cars and vans nationwide between 2008 and 2016, including over 7,600 in Ohio, equipped with so-called “defeat devices.” These devices made the vehicles appear compliant during emissions testing but disabled pollution controls during normal driving conditions. This led to excessive nitrogen oxide emissions, which can contribute to smog and worsen respiratory issues such as asthma.
Attorney General Yost commented on the case: “Mercedes took a bypass around the law at the expense of consumers and the air we all breathe. It’s not that hard to follow the rules.”
The investigation found that while using these defeat devices, Mercedes promoted its vehicles as environmentally friendly and compliant with emissions standards. The software was allegedly used to improve performance and fuel efficiency while concealing violations from regulators and consumers.
Under the terms of the settlement, Mercedes will pay $120 million immediately to participating states. An additional $29.6 million will be waived if the company completes a consumer relief program. Ohio is set to receive more than $2.1 million from this agreement.
As part of consumer relief efforts, Mercedes must repair or permanently remove affected vehicles from roads at no cost to owners, provide an extended warranty after repairs, and pay $2,000 to each eligible vehicle owner. The settlement also requires changes in business practices for Mercedes-Benz, including a ban on misleading marketing related to emissions compliance and regular reporting to ensure adherence to the agreement.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office handles legal matters for the state including law enforcement oversight, consumer protection, prosecuting crimes, and representing government entities. Led by Dave Yost as attorney general, it operates from its main office in Columbus with regional offices throughout Ohio.
For media inquiries regarding this settlement or other activities of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office—which works statewide through regulatory oversight—contact Dominic Binkley at 614-728-4127.
