20,000 vehicles recalled by Mercedes-Benz: uncontrolled fire risk identified

Beijing Benz has announced a recall affecting nearly 20,000 electric vehicles — 19,481 units of the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Mercedes-Benz EQB — produced for the Chinese market between April 1, 2021, and March 12, 2024.

The primary reason for the recall is reduced reliability of the vehicles’ high-voltage battery packs. In addition, due to specific characteristics in the version of software controlling the power electronics, certain battery cells may experience excessive stress during operation. This increases the risk of short circuits, which in rare cases could lead to a fire.

Beijing Benz is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chinese partners. The company has advised owners of affected EVs to limit charging to no more than 80% and to avoid parking the vehicles in enclosed spaces as a precaution.

The recall remedy will involve replacing the traction battery packs in the affected vehicles. The service campaign is scheduled to begin on June 25, 2026.

Notably, Mercedes-Benz conducted a similar recall of EQA and EQB models last year in the United States for the same issue, affecting more than 12,000 vehicles.