Over 1,450 Luxury Mercedes Electric Vehicles Called Back in Australia

A Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 car is presented at the Mercedes-Benz stand during the 2021 Munich Motor Show IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 7, 2021. (Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images)

At least 1,465 luxury Mercedes electric vehicles (EVs) will be recalled in Australia due to concerns they could lose power while driving.

On June 24, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts issued a recall notice for certain Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS models released in 2023.

“A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause deactivation of the high voltage battery,” the recall notice stated.

“As a result, the vehicle may experience a loss of propulsion whilst driving.”

The recall notice warns a loss of propulsion while driving could boost the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants.

“Owners are asked to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz retailer to have the work carried out as soon as possible, free of charge.”

A new Mercedes Benz EQE sedan can be purchased for just over $122,000 (US$81,000), according to the company’s website.

Further, a Mercedes Benz EQS sedan will set a buyer back by more than $160,000.

The department also issued a recall notice on June 24 for 69 Peugeot Pro LWB and Pro SWB 2023 vehicles due to a software issue with the engine management control.

In addition, a recall notice was issued for a single Honda Odyssey released in 2017.

Are Australians Buying EVs?

Meanwhile, electric vehicle and hybrid sales increased in Australia in May, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Statistics released in June show battery electric vehicle sales rose to 8.1 percent in May 2024, up from 7.7 percent in the same corresponding month in 2023.

Hybrid and plug-in vehicles on the other hand doubled to 15.8 percent, up from 7.9 percent in the previous year.

Car sales in May increased overall in 2024 to 111,099, up from 105,694 in the same month in 2023.

Toyota was the most popular brand with 23,389 sales, followed by Ford (8,806), Mazda (8,002), Kia (7,504), and Hyundai (6,495).

Australia’s most popular car was the Ford Ranger with 5,912 sales, followed by the Toyota HiLux, Toyota RAV4, Isuzu Ute D-Max, and Toyota Landcruiser.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the record-breaking month underscored the ongoing strength of the industry.

“The continued growth highlights consumer confidence and the industry’s ability to meet diverse needs of Australian motorists despite current economic challenges,” Mr. Weber said.

“The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world which supplies consumers with a wide choice of vehicle across all segments and price categories.”