Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 12,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in China due to fire risks stemming from battery reliability issues, the country’s market regulator announced.
The recall, which begins on April 16, affects 12,308 locally produced EQA and EQB models manufactured between April 1, 2021, and October 31, 2023, according to a statement from the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The issue was identified after a defect investigation initiated by the regulator.
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Some of the affected vehicles were found to have reduced battery reliability due to fluctuations in the high-voltage battery production process, the announcement said. Additionally, the existing battery management system software could cause excessive load on individual battery cells, increasing the risk of internal short circuits that could lead to fires.
Beijing Benz, Mercedes-Benz’s joint venture in China, will update the battery management system software through authorized dealers to mitigate the safety risk. In the meantime, the automaker has advised owners to limit battery charging to no more than 80 percent.
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This marks the second recall of Mercedes-Benz EQ series EVs in China within a year. In June 2024, the company recalled 2,380 imported EQS and EQE SUVs due to a risk of sudden power loss while driving.
Despite the recalls, Mercedes-Benz remains one of China’s leading luxury car brands. However, the German automaker does not disclose its EV sales in the country and is absent from the China Passenger Car Associationās monthly ranking of top new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturers.