Mercedes Initiates Recall of Electric SUV Due to Fire Risk in Europe

Mercedes-Benz is facing significant challenges as it announces a recall of its EQB electric SUV due to a potential fire hazard linked to defective battery cells. This issue affects thousands of vehicles globally, specifically those manufactured between December 2021 and January 2023.

The recall is prompted by findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, which indicated that under certain production and usage conditions, internal short circuits may occur within the battery cells, posing a serious fire risk. If drivers experience this issue while on the road, they will receive an alert through a warning message displayed on the vehicle's dashboard. Approximately 7,358 EQB models in the U.S. are included in this recall.

To address the identified problem, Mercedes plans to implement a software update for the battery management system. However, this update is not currently available, and affected vehicle owners will have to wait for further instructions. In the meantime, Mercedes recommends that users limit their battery charge to 80% to minimize the risk of fire until the software update can be applied.

The official recall process is set to commence on April 1, 2025, and the update is expected to take around 30 minutes to complete. Reports from various media outlets have linked multiple fire incidents involving the EQB in China to this battery issue. In addition, Mercedes faced scrutiny last year in South Korea for a similar battery-related concern.

The EQB, an electric crossover, offers an optional third row of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, which makes it particularly appealing to families. According to the NHTSA, the recall encompasses the EQB 250, EQB 300 4Matic, and EQB 350 4Matic variants.

While specific figures for affected vehicles in Europe, including Germany, have not yet been disclosed, Mercedes has confirmed that European models may also fall under this recall. Owners of these vehicles will be notified in advance of any necessary actions.

In 2024, Mercedes-Benz reported global sales of 185,100 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), marking a 23% decline compared to the previous year.