Mercedes-Benz Recalls EQB SUVs Over High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk

Mercedes-Benz USA, has announced a voluntary recall for select EQB electric SUVs due to a potential fire risk associated with the high-voltage battery. The recall, impacts 7,362 vehicles that were produced between December 13, 2021, and January 23, 2024.

According to the report filled by Mercedes to NHTSA said, Due to the combination of certain production and vehicle use conditions, an internal short circuit of a battery cell in the high-voltage battery might occur, which could lead to the risk of a fire. If a thermal incident were to occur during driving, the driver would be made aware of the issue by a high-voltage battery warning malfunction message in the instrument cluster. Should the thermal incident occur while the vehicle is parked, the driver would not receive a warning

To deal with the issue Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the battery management system software to enhance safety. Until the update is available, customers are advised to restrict charging to a maximum of 80% state of charge. The company will begin notifying dealerships on February 7, 2025, with owner notifications scheduled before April 1, 2025.

Reports of fire incidents emerged outside the U.S. in 2023 and 2024, prompting Mercedes-Benz AG to investigate. The company collaborated with Chinese authorities, where most incidents were reported, and conducted thorough analyses with the battery supplier. Although no single root cause was identified, findings suggested that specific production conditions, combined with external environmental factors, contributed to the risk.