Mercedes-Benz Dealership and Manufacturer Face Breach of Contract Hearing Over Denied EV Battery Warranty

Wesley Chapel, FL – A breach of contract case involving Mercedes-Benz of Wesley Chapel, Mercedes-Benz USA, and Florida resident Anthony Gaeto is scheduled for a court hearing on June 25, 2025, before Judge Kenneth Compton in Pasco County Small Claims Court. The case, listed under docket number 2023-SC-005668-SAXES, stems from an alleged improper denial of warranty service for an electric drive battery while the vehicle was still under the express warranty's timeframe and mileage limit.

Anthony Gaeto filed the suit after being denied a battery replacement, despite asserting that his vehicle met all conditions for coverage under Mercedes-Benz’s express warranty. The case names both the local dealership and Mercedes-Benz USA as defendants and/or counter defendants, raising important questions about warranty enforcement and the responsibilities of both dealerships and manufacturers under Florida contract law.

“This case is about accountability,” said Gaeto. “When a manufacturer promises a warranty and a customer meets the terms, that promise should be honored - especially with something as critical as an electric drive battery.”

Electric vehicle (EV) components such as high-voltage batteries are among the most expensive and vital systems in modern cars. The denial of warranty service in this context raises broader consumer protection concerns amid the industry’s rapid shift to electrification.

The court will evaluate whether the defendants breached the contract by failing to provide warranty coverage as promised. The hearing before Judge Compton may also address the roles of dealerships versus manufacturers in warranty claim determinations.

A decision in favor of the plaintiff could have broader implications for EV owners across Florida and beyond, particularly as consumers increasingly rely on manufacturer warranties for costly electric vehicle repairs.