The recall, affecting both 2023 through 2025 model years, addresses a deviation in the development of software that could lead to unexpected high-voltage battery shutdowns, potentially resulting in reduced or complete loss of propulsion. This action includes vehicles produced in Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany, as well as Tuscaloosa, USA.
The problem first came under scrutiny late in 2023 when initial reports surfaced from Denmark and the USA. In Denmark, issues were noted before delivery as battery management system warning messages appeared. In the USA, consumers experienced reduced drive power accompanied by similar warnings. Following these reports, investigations pinpointed the cause to memory overload in the battery control module triggered by a barrage of diagnostic requests. This led to frequent resets and data overflow.
The recall report lists no fewer than 14 different software versions for the battery management system, as well as model versions ranging from the lowly 350 series all the way to the AMG EQS 53 and Maybach EQS SUV 680. Despite numerous incidents related to this software glitch, there have been no reported injuries or more severe consequences associated with it thus far.
Mercedes noted that the defect affects 100% of these vehicles:
- 2024 EQE 350 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2023-2025 EQS SUV 350 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 EQE 350+ – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2023-2025 EQE SUV 350+ – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 EQE 500 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2023-2025 EQE SUV 500 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 EQE 450 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2023-2025 EQE SUV 450 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 EQS 450+ – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2023-2025 EQS SUV 450+ – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 EQS 580 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2023-2025 EQS SUV 580 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024-2025 Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV 680 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024-2025 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 53 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
- 2024 – Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic – manufactured between February 1, 2023, and May 11, 2024.
The Stuttgart-based automaker has remedied the software issue in vehicle production on May 13, 2024. No later than June 3, dealers will be instructed to update to the latest version. As for owners, recall notifications will be mailed before July 23.
Source: Autoevolution
