The Thuringian Higher Regional Court in Jena (case no. 10 U 49/24) ruled on November 4, 2025 A verdict favorable to consumers has been reached in the diesel emissions scandal: The Mercedes-Benz Group AG was ordered to pay the plaintiff €5,133.02 in damages to pay.
The case concerns a Mercedes GLC 220 d 4Matic with the OM 651 diesel engine. The vehicle was equipped with a SCR system equipped for exhaust gas purification using AdBlue. However, in the court's opinion, the specific design of the SCR control – in particular the switching logic between different dosing modes – constituted a impermissible shutdown device This led to exhaust gas purification being restricted under certain conditions, which could result in higher nitrogen oxide levels in real-world driving than on the test bench.
The plaintiff, represented by the Rogert & Ulbrich Law Firm, Mercedes-Benz subsequently demanded damages. While the Erfurt Regional Court had already ruled in favor of the buyer in the first instance, Mercedes-Benz appealed – but without success. The Jena Higher Regional Court essentially upheld the first-instance ruling and clarified that Mercedes was liable to the plaintiff for damages based on a negligent violation of Section 823 Paragraph 2 of the German Civil Code (BGB) in conjunction with Sections 6 and 27 of the EC Vehicle Approval Regulation (EG-FGV) liable.
The judges considered it proven that Mercedes had failed to provide the buyer with a incorrect certificate of conformity The company had been granted a permit because the vehicle had been put into circulation with an illegal emissions control system. Neither the approval by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) nor the subsequent software update changed the liability. The company's attempt to plead a so-called mistake of law was also unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The ruling is another important victory for affected diesel owners. It shows that even after software updates, manufacturers remain liable if the exhaust gas purification system continues to be technically manipulated. Affected buyers can therefore continue to successfully pursue their claims. Claims for damages against Mercedes-Benz assert your claim.
