Mercedes‑Benz India has issued a voluntary recall for 30 of their luxury cars due to a potential fire risk linked to faulty fuse boxes. Cars affected by this recall include the S‑Class (and Maybach), AMG SL 55, GLC and EQS sedan manufactured between June 2023 and April 2024. The issue could cause propulsion loss, impairment of safety systems, and even a thermal incident. This is Mercedes’ sixth Indian recall in less than seven months, and should raise questions about quality control.
What Went Wrong?
The recall stems from improperly reworked fuse boxes that were repaired previously, which may fail during routine operation. That failure could cut power to key systems like the drivetrain, safety restraints and instrument cluster, which risks a loss of control and safety failures. Worse still, a “thermal event” (a fire) cannot be ruled out.
Is This An Isolated Incident?
There’s been a similar recall in the United States. There, Mercedes recently recalled about 93,000 units of the same models due to incorrect fuse-box repairs in earlier recalls. This reflects poor workmanship as the cars fixed under recall required additional work to address incorrectly done repairs. This doesn’t appear to be an isolated incident, as it is the same issue that has occurred in India.
What Cars Are Affected?
A breakdown of the 30 units shows 16 EQS sedans (manufactured July 2023–April 2024), nine S‑Class models (including Maybach, June 2023–March 2024), three GLCs (Sept–Dec 2023), and two AMG SL 55 cars (July–Aug 2023) are affected.
Mercedes‑Benz plans to contact owners individually and offer free inspection and repairs. So far, no incidents have been reported.
Mercedes’ Recall Record
This is the sixth voluntary recall by Mercedes‑Benz India in 2025. Previous recalls involved fire‑risk faults in March, software glitches and missing airbag labels, as well as a fuel‑module concern in January. Mercedes’ frequency of high‑risk defects necessitates better quality control for the safety of their customers.
Conclusion
Owners of affected models will be serviced for free. For a carmaker famous for luxury, safety and engineering, such quality lapses are unacceptable considering their premium pricing.
