On the Dash:
- Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 12,000 EQB EVs in the U.S. for a third time to replace high-voltage batteries due to fire risk.
- Early battery cells from Farasis Energy are prone to internal short circuits, particularly at high states of charge, prompting the recall.
- Owners are advised to limit charging to 80% and park outside until batteries are replaced; the EQB is being discontinued.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 12,000 EQB electric crossovers in the United States for a third time due to a battery fire risk. The recall affects 2022 through 2024 EQB models manufactured between December 13, 2021, and May 9, 2024. Previous software updates intended to monitor the batteries did not resolve the underlying issue, prompting the automaker to replace the high-voltage battery packs entirely.
The affected vehicles were built with early battery cells from China’s Farasis Energy, which were less robust under certain stress conditions. Mercedes-Benz and the battery manufacturer determined that these cells could develop an internal short circuit, particularly when charged to high levels, creating a risk of fire. Until the battery replacements are completed, owners who have not yet received the software updates are advised to limit charging to 80% and park outside.
The recall follows two prior attempts to address the issue. Last year, Mercedes-Benz implemented a software update designed to prevent battery faults. At the time of the third recall, approximately 74% of affected vehicles had already received the software patch. Mercedes-Benz is replacing the batteries free of charge. The automaker has received two reports of fires in the United States linked to this battery problem, both involving vehicles included in this recall. There are no known incidents involving vehicles that had already received the previous software update.
The recall comes as Mercedes-Benz discontinues the EQB crossover. The company plans to introduce the GLB with EQ Technology later this year as the EQB’s replacement. The repeated recalls highlight the challenges of early battery technology in electric vehicles, particularly regarding thermal stability and cell durability. They also underscore the complexity of ensuring safety in high-voltage systems as automakers scale EV production.
