Mercedes Recalls EQB for Third Time, Replacing All Batteries After Software Fixes Fail

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 11,895 EQB electric SUVs in the United States for a third time, now replacing entire high-voltage battery packs after two previous software-only fixes failed to eliminate the fire risk. The escalation comes after fires continued in Europe during November 2025 on vehicles that had already received the software updates, forcing the automaker to pursue a costly full hardware replacement just as it discontinues the model entirely.

The recall covers 2022-2024 model year EQB 250+, EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC variants manufactured between December 13, 2021, and May 9, 2024, according to CBT News. The defective battery cells, supplied by Farasis Energy, are prone to internal short circuits when charged to high states of charge, creating a fire risk even when vehicles are parked and switched off.

Software Fixes Proved Ineffective

Mercedes initially attempted to address the issue through two separate recall campaigns—25V050 and 25V894—that relied solely on software updates to manage battery charging parameters. But The EV Report notes that fires continued to occur in Europe after those fixes were applied, including two incidents in November 2025 involving vehicles that had already undergone the software recall repair.

According to Carscoops, Mercedes estimates that 100% of the recalled population is affected by the defect, with 74% having already received the ineffective software update before the third recall was issued. The automaker has documented two confirmed fire incidents in the US market, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to oversee the expanded remedy.

Unprecedented Escalation to Full Battery Replacement

The decision to replace entire battery packs represents a significant financial and logistical burden for Mercedes, echoing General Motors’ costly Chevrolet Bolt Hyundai and Kia Recall Just 14 EVs Over Battery Fire Risk, Urge Owners to Park Away From Homes”>battery recall that affected more than 140,000 vehicles. The EQB battery replacement campaign is particularly notable because it affects a model the company has already discontinued—Mercedes ended EQB production in late 2025 and plans to replace it with the GLB with EQ Technology, which will arrive at US dealerships later in 2026, according to Autoevolution.

The supplier, Farasis Energy, implemented production improvements after July 31, 2024, that resolve the internal short-circuit issue for newer vehicles. However, the early production runs used in the 2022-2024 EQB models contain the defective cell chemistry that cannot be remedied through software alone.

Global Scope and Regional Responses

The battery defect extends beyond the US market. China’s Beijing Benz is separately recalling 19,481 locally-produced EQA and EQB vehicles starting June 25, 2026, also replacing high-voltage batteries, according to Electrive. Notably, Chinese regulators mandated full battery replacement from the outset, unlike the US and European markets where Mercedes initially offered only software fixes.

The global recall population exceeds 51,000 vehicles when combining US, European, and Chinese markets, making this one of the more significant EV battery safety campaigns to date.

What This Means for Buyers

Current EQB owners should immediately verify their vehicle’s recall status using the NHTSA recall lookup tool and their VIN. Mercedes has issued strict interim safety guidance: park vehicles outside and away from structures, limit charging to a maximum of 80% state of charge, and avoid leaving the vehicle charging unattended until the battery replacement is completed.

For used EQB shoppers, this recall creates significant uncertainty. Even vehicles that have undergone the battery replacement will carry the stigma of a triple-recall history, likely depressing resale values. Prospective buyers should confirm that any used EQB has received the third-campaign battery replacement, not just the earlier ineffective software updates. Vehicles manufactured after July 31, 2024, are not affected due to supplier production improvements, though very few late-2024 EQBs reached the US market before discontinuation.

The recall also highlights broader EV battery supply chain quality challenges that the industry faces as it rapidly scales production. Early battery cell production runs from newer suppliers like Farasis appear more prone to quality-control lapses than mature lithium-ion manufacturers, raising questions about automaker due diligence in vetting battery suppliers for mass-market vehicles.

Mercedes has not announced whether it will offer buyback programs or lease terminations for affected owners, options GM provided during the Bolt recall. Owners facing months-long wait times for replacement batteries—and restricted to 80% charging in the interim—may find the EQB’s already-limited range of approximately 260 miles reduced to roughly 208 miles, significantly impacting usability.

Recall Campaign	Date	Remedy	Outcome
25V050 (First)	2025	Software update	Failed—fires continued
25V894 (Second)	2025	Software update	Failed—fires continued
Current (Third)	2026	Complete battery replacement	Pending

The EQB recall serves as a cautionary tale for the EV transition: software cannot always compensate for fundamental hardware defects, and early adoption of electric vehicles from first-generation platforms carries risks that may only emerge after thousands of vehicles reach customer hands. For Mercedes, the financial and reputational cost of the triple recall underscores the high stakes of battery supplier selection and quality validation in the electric era.

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