Mercedes-Benz is recalling 7,362 EQB electric SUVs over potential fire risks tied to their batteries, telling owners to limit charging while they work on a fix.
The issue affects certain 2022-2024 Mercedes EQB models equipped with early-production battery cells. These cells have shown they’re more likely to develop internal short circuits — particularly when exposed to charging equipment variations or if the battery pack gets damaged. The NHTSA warns this creates fire risks whether the vehicle is running or parked.
If something goes wrong while driving, owners will see a battery malfunction warning light up on their dashboard. The concerning part? There might not be any visible signs of trouble when the car is turned off and sitting idle.
While Mercedes hasn’t seen any fires or related warranty claims in the U.S., they first caught wind of the problem after reports of fires in other countries. The automaker says their battery supplier has already updated their manufacturing process, with fixes in place for vehicles built after January 24, 2024.
For affected vehicles, dealers will install updated battery management software at no cost to owners.
Until then, Mercedes is playing it safe — asking owners to keep their charging level under 80%. This effectively cuts the usable range to below 200 miles on a charge, considering the EQB’s 2024 EPA ratings of 205-251 miles.
The company will start sending recall notices on April 1. Owners looking for more information can reach Mercedes’ customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
The EQB, which debuted for 2022, stands out in today’s market of sleek, aerodynamic crossovers with its distinctively boxy shape — inherited from its gas-powered GLB-Class sibling. Despite these safety concerns, the model received notable improvements for 2024, including a larger touchscreen and convenient Plug & Charge capability.
