8.2K Mercedes-Benz EV Units Recalled Due To Software Bug Leading To Power Loss
Giancarlo Perlas June 16, 2023Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall notice for a total of 8,281 electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. The recall is prompted by a software glitch that could result in sudden power loss, posing potential risks to the drivers. The affected Mercedes-Benz EV models include the EQS sedan, EQS SUV, and EQE. The three-pointed star marque has taken proactive measures to address this issue promptly and ensure the safety of its customers.
Cause of the Mercedes-Benz EV Recall
After receiving a single field report in October 2022 regarding a malfunction in the electric drivetrain of its EV, Mercedes immediately launched an extensive investigation. According to reports, the automaker discovered a specific fault management response logic that could deactivate the electric drivetrain under certain conditions, leading to power loss. This unexpected issue significantly increases the risk of a potential crash.
Nature of the Problem
The German automaker has indicated that the issue might stem from potential contact involving a specific plug connector located within the electric drivetrain system. Disturbingly, affected drivers will not receive any warning before experiencing the power loss. However, once the issue occurs, multiple messages will appear in the instrument cluster, indicating the problem.
Power Loss Incidents
While there have been two field reports of power loss incidents in the US during October 2022, the company has confirmed that there have been no injuries, accidents, or fatalities resulting from this software bug. As a precautionary measure, the automaker has decided to recall the affected Mercedes-Benz EV units to rectify the issue and ensure the continued safety of its customers.
Recall and Potential Fix for the Affected Mercedes-Benz EV Products
Mercedes-Benz plans to reach out to owners of the affected EQS and EQE units starting from August 4th. Owners will be requested to bring their Mercedes-Benz EV unit to an authorized dealer, where the electric drivetrain software will be updated. This software update is designed to eliminate the possibility of power loss occurring in the future, assuring customers that their vehicles will perform optimally and safely.
For quick reference, here is a breakdown of the units affected by the announcement:
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV
- 2022-2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS
- 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE