Mercedes-Benz Recalls Thousands of Metris Vans and EQB Electric Vehicles Due to Safety Concerns

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is initiating two separate recalls affecting a significant number of its Metris vans and EQB electric vehicles due to potential safety risks, according to reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalls address potential issues with airbag deployment in Metris vans and fire risks in EQB electric vehicles.

The first recall involves certain 2022-2023 and 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles, with a total of 52,356 potentially affected units. The issue stems from an accumulation of condensation on the air distribution housing of the air conditioning system. Under specific operating conditions, this condensation may seep onto the airbag control unit situated below. Over time, this moisture can lead to corrosion in the electrical connector of the control unit. Such corrosion can impair the conductivity of the connection, potentially hindering the proper deployment of the occupant restraint system in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Drivers may notice an illuminated airbag warning lamp in the instrument cluster if this issue occurs. The remedy for this defect involves authorized Mercedes-Benz Metris dealers installing a protective cover over the airbag control unit on affected vehicles. Owners will be notified by April 3, 2026, with VINs searchable for recall status starting February 13, 2026.

The second recall pertains to certain 2022-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB electric vehicles, specifically the EQB 350 4MATIC, EQB 250+, and EQB 300 4MATIC models, totaling 12,236 potentially involved vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has determined that a risk of fire in the high-voltage battery cannot be ruled out due to a combination of specific production and usage conditions. Deviations in the supplier’s production process have resulted in certain battery cells from an early production period being less robust against various stress factors encountered during the vehicle’s lifespan. When combined with external influences such as charging infrastructure issues or external damage to the high-voltage battery, an internal short circuit in individual battery cells may occur, particularly at a high state of charge. If a thermal event occurs while driving, the driver would typically be alerted by a high-voltage battery warning malfunction message. However, if the thermal incident happens while the vehicle is parked, there may be no warning. The remedy for this situation is for an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to replace the high-voltage battery. As a precautionary measure, customers are advised to park their affected vehicles outside and to charge their vehicle’s battery to a maximum of 80% state of charge until the remedy is performed. Owners are expected to be notified before February 27, 2026, with VINs searchable for recall status beginning February 13, 2026. The remedy replacement of the high-voltage battery is scheduled to begin in a phased recall approach starting April 3, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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