Mercedes-Benz recalls nearly 12,000 EQB electric SUVs over battery fire risk

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling nearly 12,000 EQB electric SUVs over a defect that could cause the high-voltage battery to catch fire while parked or driving, federal safety regulators announced.

The recall covers 11,895 vehicles built between December 2021 and May 2024, including certain 2022-2024 EQB 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC models, as well as 2023-2024 EQB 250+ vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz AG, the automaker, told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that “a risk of fire of the high-voltage battery cannot be ruled out” in the affected vehicles. The company attributed the problem to what it described as “deviations in the supplier production process” at its battery supplier.

Battery cells from an early production period may be less robust against stress factors over time, according to the filing. An internal short circuit in a battery cell could trigger what Mercedes described as a “thermal event,” increasing the risk of fire.

NHTSA warned in its acknowledgment letter that the defective battery “may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving,” which increases the risk of injury.

The batteries were supplied by Farasis Energy (Ganzhou) Co. Ltd. in China’s Jiangxi Province.

Mercedes says earlier software remedy insufficient, orders battery replacement

The new recall replaces two earlier campaigns, 25V050 and 25V894, that attempted to address the same defect through a software update designed to limit battery charging levels. Mercedes initially believed the fix would reduce fire risk, but continued monitoring revealed the software solution was insufficient.

After analyzing additional fire incidents in Europe and conducting further testing with Farasis Energy, Mercedes concluded in January that “the effectiveness of the current software update to sufficiently reduce the risk of thermal incidents cannot be fully confirmed for all affected vehicles,” according to the filing. Mercedes stated the earlier remedies “are failed remedies.”

Vehicles previously repaired under the earlier recalls will need the new remedy, which involves replacing the entire high-voltage battery pack.

Mercedes has documented two fires in the United States involving vehicles within the original recall population. The company told regulators it has received no reports of U.S. fires after vehicles received the software update. Approximately 74% of owners completed the earlier recall campaign.

What EQB owners should do now

Mercedes is warning owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are completed, citing fire risk. The company also urges owners to limit charging to no more than 80% of battery capacity as an interim safety precaution.

Dealers will replace the high-voltage battery at no cost to owners.

Mercedes plans to notify dealers Feb. 13 and will mail interim warning letters to owners by Feb. 27. A second round of letters notifying owners that the remedy is available will be sent beginning April 3 as the phased recall proceeds. Vehicle identification numbers affected by the recall will be searchable on NHTSA’s website beginning Feb. 13.

Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 or visit NHTSA.gov for more information. The recall is assigned NHTSA campaign number 26V073.