Last Updated on April 28, 2023
Imagine you’re headed out the door to an important meeting but your new car won’t start. That’s exactly what happened to one woman in New York City recently when she parked her Mercedes-Benz CLS without any lights or electronics on.
After several hours the 48 volt battery had been drained completely! Does this 48 volt battery problem sound familiar? If so, read on.
If you own a Mercedes and have been experiencing 48 volt battery problems, you’re not alone. A lot of other drivers have been dealing with issues related to the battery, such as unable to start the car and even shutting off while in motion. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a fix for it just yet. In this post we’ll provide the current information about the problem, and also symptoms to look out for. So if you own a Mercedes and are having 48V battery problems, here’s what you need to know.
What are the Symptoms of Mercedes 48V Battery Problems?
There are several different reported issues with the 48 volt battery system owners need to be aware of. However, the most common are no starts and vehicles shutting off. Owners report that these problems occur randomly, even when the car is brand new with less than 50 miles. More concerning, these vehicles cannot be jump started requiring a tow to the dealership.
Additionally, vehicles that are towed to the dealership often sit for days while mechanics try to diagnose the problem. Dealerships will often cite problems with the 48V mild hybrid system are extremely rare, despite complaints on the popular Mercedes forum mbworld.org. Unfortunately, some vehicle owners are stuck with paying for diagnostics, software updates and even battery replacements. Often times the problems associated with the 48V battery return not long after being serviced.
What Are the Warning Signs of 48V Battery Problems?
Owners report that early warning signs of battery problems include warning lights or an error code on the dashboard. Some owners have even cautioned extended use of the MB app citing potential cause of additional battery drain.
Which Mercedes Models Are Affected?
Mercedes-Benz has been experiencing an increase in the number of complaints with their 48V battery system. At this moment, problems are being reported with the following models: E-class, CLS-class and GLE/GLS-class model year 2019 and up for the sedans. Also affected by the 48V battery problem are model year 2020 Mercedes SUVs.
What Some Owners are Saying About Their 48V Battery Problems
Last night while I was stopped to make a left turn in traffic, a message came up saying something about the the 48 volt battery. The car simultaneously shut off, and I couldn’t restart it for about 20 secs.
mbworld.org
Just happened to me today. Car gave me the 48v battery warning and then popped another alert that said turn engine off (overheating warning) luckily I really close to home. Getting it towed in morning. I will update when I learn more.
mbworld.org
Fortunately, both of my failures have occurred while the vehicle was at home, but I suppose it could have happened anywhere. Other members have reported failures while one the road. One person mentioned that the problem occurred while in a high speed lane on the highway and he felt fortunate to be able to get the car to the shoulder. It concerned me enough that I changed my plans for a road trip and opted to fly instead.
mbworld.org
Experiencing Problems with your Mercedes 48 Volt Battery?
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Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
Amber
December 19, 2023 at 5:34 pmGLE 53 AMG. Error message due to battery malfunction. Car was completely dead and had to be towed on a flatbed to Mercedes in October and is still there with no ETA on new 48 Volt replacement battery. I have been without my car for 3 months. Also, just to note, when the car dies it cannot go into neutral…you must put the key fob into the centre console and it will allow you to put your car in neutral. It took an hour with my tow truck driver to this figure out.
Alan
September 28, 2023 at 3:11 pmJust happened while on vacation in Germany two days in a row. Dealership reset the electronic system said we are good to go. Obviously it was not since it happens again when stuck in traffic looks like the charging while in traffic was not charging car basically locked up. We were able to get to a ruck stop let it sit for 40 minutes and it’s running fine EuroCar did nothing we’re gonna let us sit and find our own way back. F EuroCar!!!
Richard Andrew Lister
September 20, 2023 at 4:55 am2020 GLC 300 Bought 2nd hand through Mercedes approved used would not start on drive came up with warning message 48v battery issue waited 4 days for a recovery truck that could lift it , they would not drag it because it was stuck in park and did not want to damage 4 matic system or gearbox , been at Mercedes 3 weeks now new battery fitted now I’m told they are waiting for a special adhesive to come from Germany another 3 -6 weeks wait luckily i have a loan car but this situation is rubbish Mercedes need to get these issues sorted !!!!!!!!1
Sondra
May 11, 2023 at 7:52 am2020 GLE 450 Happened second time yesterday. Got malfunction battery message and then shut car off overheating. Had to pull in someone’s driveway. Had to wait for tow to dealer. First time they told me Mercedes wasn’t replacing ($2K) battery until it happened 2nd time. Now 2nd time they are telling me it is software update. They said there was a recall, I didn’t receive that one, but have received my 4th recall for check on something with this vehicle. This is our 5th Mercedes have always loved the cars. I only have 15K on it and I’m afraid to keep it.
J.Buckley
April 4, 2023 at 5:43 amHaving driven Mercedes all my life I was absolutely shocked yesterday when my brand new Mercedes C 220 D mild Hybrid would not start after citing 48V Battery Malfunction.I was stoped at a junction and was blocking the road when it happened.I got absolutely no help from Mercedes Me helpline.I was only 2 kilometres away from home My husband who is very mechanically minded came and got the car going.He said that he read somewhere that if he brought the other key to the car and switched it off for a time and on again with the other key it might start.He tried it and believe or not it worked.So we eventually got the car home and brought it to the Main dealer the follow day.We are still waiting for what caused the problem it was quite nerve wrecking being in that situation and has damaged my confidence in Mercedes
Ingram
March 20, 2023 at 6:50 amThis has happened to me twice. First time just before the first service, on my new 2021 GLS 450 . This happened in 5 o’clock traffic. Dealer said it was fixed.
It happened again in heavy traffic during Spring Break in Destin Fl. Called dealer I bought from, did not want to answer my questions. Finally got car going again took to dealer close to Destin, Fl. They gave me a loaner to go home in and said will contact Mercedes Corp. to find a solution. I am afraid of this car now. It has stopped in bumper top bumper traffic twice now. I see this problem is still in the 2023 models, so no reason to trade this vehicle to dealer for new model if having same problems. What can you do?????
Mol
March 1, 2023 at 4:35 pm2021 GLS 450. Purchased July 2021. 48v battery died and replaced in Nov 2022 (after it took time to order, receive and replace it). It just did it again yesterday.
Not sure what to do but I don’t want a car that I can’t rely on.
Gp
February 11, 2023 at 6:54 amThis just happened with my 2023 c300 last night. Calling this am for a toe. Left at a friend’s house. 1400 miles and only a month old
John Martin
February 5, 2023 at 7:20 pmI have a 2022 S580 that had to towed into my local dealer due to 48 V battery malfunction! They said it was fixed and it just happened again while the vehicle was at the dealer for scheduled maintenance. I’m sure it will be days before it’s fixed and returned, I requested a new main battery and a new 48V battery? Waiting for Mercedes Benz to authorize! Not holding by breath. This may be my last Mercedes if they refuse to replace them!
Patrick
February 3, 2023 at 11:12 amOur 2021 GLE 63S just stopped and wouldn’t start again. Couldn’t be boosted. Couldn’t take it out of park so had to be dragged by the towing company onto a flat bed. Mercedes said it was a software issue but could not guarantee it wouldnt happen again and wouldnt replace the battery until the battery fault happened 5 times, in accordance w the warranty. Was shocking to hear. We are often in backcountry hiking and ski areas w no cell service. They showed us a way to “reset” the system with the battery under the seat on the drivers side but said not sure that would fix the problem if it happened again. Shocking for a newer car.
AM
November 29, 2022 at 2:46 amHi there fellow trouble-havers 🙁
This happend to my C200 from 2019(read: Me) yesterday as well. Car would not start at first. after 20 seconds it came to its senses and started (phfeeeew)
cheers,
Dutch Guy
cecil hardy
November 27, 2022 at 9:53 amOh happen to me with the first tank of fuel 8 weeks without a vehicle no loaner vehicle. Now it has just happened for the second time with 8000 KM vehicle is in our garage the tow company wants exterior over and above roadside assistance because of the distance and time trying to get it in neutral to load it. Not a happy customer.
Mol
October 30, 2022 at 10:02 pmHappened to my 2021 GLS 450
Went to take the kids to school one morning and it wouldn’t start.
Dealer says they ordered a new 48v battery and I’ve been in a crappy loaner for the last week.
Michele
October 12, 2022 at 1:19 pmWarning light red came up on dashboard 48v battery seek assistance
Now waiting to be met by Mercedes’ SOS
daniel
July 7, 2022 at 9:30 amSame problem with my e200 cabrio own in September 2021
Badrideen Badrideen
May 19, 2022 at 8:30 amI had the same problem
My new Mercedes Benz c200 2022
Just not more than 1900km
Got this issue yesterday
Battery 48v problem and engine won’t start
Rolf
April 5, 2022 at 4:13 pmWas at restaurant & afterwards E450 did not start and then died. Had to leave & next morning a Mercedes courtesy booster car told me immediately that a tow to dealer needed. Said he has seen several other cases recently all due to 48 volt system. Dealer said it likely was the 48 volt battery but they needed Mercedes HO permission to fix. Took several days. – No problems since but ???