Mercedes-Benz EQB High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk Investigation

Kershaw Talley Barlow PC (“KTB”) is investigating potential claims involving 2022-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB vehicles due to a high-voltage battery defect that poses a fire risk, limits vehicle charging, and requires that the vehicles be parked outside and away from structures.

Recent federal safety reports and multiple recall campaigns show that these vehicles may be equipped with Farasis high-voltage batteries that have an internal short circuit of a battery cell and can spontaneously ignite while the vehicle is either parked or being driven. Such fires can occur without notice particularly while parked.

Recall Overview & Safety Warnings

Mercedes-Benz issued several recalls for its EQB vehicles (NHTSA Recall Nos.: 26V073, 25V050, and 25V894) after discovering that battery cells supplied by Farasis Energy may suffer from internal short circuits. The recalls implicate roughly 12,236 vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA:) and Mercedes-Benz have issued urgent safety instructions related to the battery defect:

• Park Outdoors: Owners are strongly advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other cars;
• Charging Limit: Owners should cap the vehicle's battery charge at 80%;
• No Warning Signs: While a warning message may appear on the dashboard if a fault occurs during driving, no warning is provided if a fire event occurs while the vehicle is parked.

Affected Models

KTB’s investigation and the above recalls encompass the following vehicles manufactured between December 13, 2021, and May 9, 2024:

• 2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+
• 2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC
• 2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC

Battery Replacement Is Required

Mercedes’ first two recalls attempted to address the battery defect with software updates. They were unsuccessful. Mercedes now recommends complete replacement of the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. However, consumers complain that such battery replacements will not be available until the end of the year – December 2026, if then. In addition, Mercedes is not willing to provide vehicle rentals or loaners, vehicle buybacks, or buyouts, or provide other forms of compensation, including to recognize vehicle overpayment and/or diminished value. 

Impact on Owners

In addition to the immediate safety risk, owners have reported:

• Reduced Charging and Range: Limitation to 80% charge significantly reduces the vehicle's driving range.
• Parking Limitations: Risks associated with being unable to park near buildings or in their own garage, where their vehicle charger is often located.
• Diminished Value: Vehicle driving and parking limitations and the fire danger related to the battery defect have greatly affected the vehicle’s value.

If you purchased a 2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+, 2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC, or 2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC, please give our office a call at 916-779-7000 or contact us. KTB would like to hear about your experience and will provide a free consultation to discuss your potential claims.