Mercedes-Benz has issued two recall notices for over 8,500 of its electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada and the US due to software issues. One of those issues could lead to a complete loss of propulsion, while the other involves lost functionality of the dynamic control systems. The recalls covers both the EQS and the EQE, and while both fixes can be done with software updates, they will have to be downloaded and installed by a dealer.
According to the recall notice for the power issue posted to both the Transport Canada and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) websites, the German automaker became aware of the issue in October 2022 following a field report “indicating a malfunction of the electric drivetrain possibly referring to a loss of propulsion.” An investigation was launched, and in December 2022 it was determined a “fault management response logic” may deactivate the electric drivetrain, which could cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels and increase the risk of a crash.
This recall mostly covers the EQS 450 and EQS 580 (sedan and SUV; 7,788 units), but also includes the AMG EQS and AMG EQE (493 units). Owners will be notified after August 4, 2023 where they will have to visit a dealer for a software fix to update the electric drivetrain software.
Mercedes became aware of the other issue in January 2022 after receiving a report that a vehicle lost functionality of its anti-lock brake system, acceleration slip regulation, and electronic brake force distribution (referred to as ESP). Those issues also manifested in the speedometer displaying 0km/h even if the vehicle was moving. It took until July 2022 for the automaker to determine a fault with the ESP software caused the issues.
This recall covers the EQS 450 (4,285 units), EQS 580 (2,522 units), as well as some gas-powered S-Class sedans. As above, owners will have to visit a dealer for a fix to update the ESP control unit software. Notification will be sent by July 18, 2023.
You can read both recall notices below.
