View Poll Results: Has anyone had this same type of problem?
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll
48-volt battery
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GLE450
Same car battery died
My gle450 was towed to the dealership 2 wks ago. Funny how the tow truck driver said he towed away the same car in black that morning for the same problem. Dead 48v battery, no ETA for the new battery yet (I’m from Australia).
The service person said it’s the contacts on the battery that were not responding to the software. So waiting for Mercedes to update the software and in the meantime, replacing the battery will be the solution for now - Sounds like the new battery may also fail if the software doesn’t get fixed.
Additional info - I bought the car end of Jan 2021, barely driven it.
The service person said it’s the contacts on the battery that were not responding to the software. So waiting for Mercedes to update the software and in the meantime, replacing the battery will be the solution for now - Sounds like the new battery may also fail if the software doesn’t get fixed.
Additional info - I bought the car end of Jan 2021, barely driven it.
Last edited by lluu; Jul 9, 2021 at 05:39 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 338
Likes: 101
From: Shaker Heights, Ohio
2021 E450 All Terrain Wagon
My gle450 was towed to the dealership 2 wks ago. Funny how the tow truck driver said he towed away the same car in black that morning for the same problem. Dead 48v battery, no ETA for the new battery yet (I’m from Australia).
The service person said it’s the contacts on the battery that were not responding to the software. So waiting for Mercedes to update the software and in the meantime, replacing the battery will be the solution for now - Sounds like the new battery may also fail if the software doesn’t get fixed.
Additional info - I bought the car end of Jan 2021, barely driven it.
The service person said it’s the contacts on the battery that were not responding to the software. So waiting for Mercedes to update the software and in the meantime, replacing the battery will be the solution for now - Sounds like the new battery may also fail if the software doesn’t get fixed.
Additional info - I bought the car end of Jan 2021, barely driven it.
I would also be interested in knowing if anyone out there can say that, after having the battery replaced, they have experienced a long-term run with no further problems? I ask because I'm on battery number 3 already and would love to get some confidence that I'm not going to have t get battery number 4.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GLE450
I'm wondering just how wide-spread this 48v battery problem is. Certainly, there have been enough posts on MB World to know that this is a known problem. I haven't kept count, but I believe there are at least a few dozen people over the course of this year who have posted here that they have encountered the same or similar problem problem with their mild hybrid. Then again, MB has produced thousands of mild hybrids across several models, most of which have presumably experienced no such problem. I've tried to get a sense of the extent of the problem by querying my dealer, but am not getting any real answers. It doesn't seem to be acknowledged as a MB-wide problem or a recall issue. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has gotten any real answers as to the extent of the problem.
I would also be interested in knowing if anyone out there can say that, after having the battery replaced, they have experienced a long-term run with no further problems? I ask because I'm on battery number 3 already and would love to get some confidence that I'm not going to have t get battery number 4.
I would also be interested in knowing if anyone out there can say that, after having the battery replaced, they have experienced a long-term run with no further problems? I ask because I'm on battery number 3 already and would love to get some confidence that I'm not going to have t get battery number 4.
Unfortunately, fixing the software sounds like the permanent solution. I asked the service person if software issue was fixed, would the old battery work again and he said yes.
I read somewhere on an overseas forum that Mercedes is aiming to solve this software problem by the end of this year… I don’t know how reliable this source is but keeps changing battery is not good enough. Oh and my service person also said because of this problem, Germany is running out of batteries now.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 338
Likes: 101
From: Shaker Heights, Ohio
2021 E450 All Terrain Wagon
You would think it would be easier and less expensive to fix the software, as these batteries do not come cheap. Meanwhile, others have also posted that they've been told it's a software issue, whereas still others have posted that they've been told it's a bad batch of batteries. It's hard to know who to believe. It would be nice if MB just came out and acknowledged the problem and said what their plan is to fix it, but I guess that would be bad PR.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Oh goodness, I can’t believe you’re on battery no.3 already!! It’s frustrating enough having to deal with this once, let alone three times.
Unfortunately, fixing the software sounds like the permanent solution. I asked the service person if software issue was fixed, would the old battery work again and he said yes.
I read somewhere on an overseas forum that Mercedes is aiming to solve this software problem by the end of this year… I don’t know how reliable this source is but keeps changing battery is not good enough. Oh and my service person also said because of this problem, Germany is running out of batteries now.
Unfortunately, fixing the software sounds like the permanent solution. I asked the service person if software issue was fixed, would the old battery work again and he said yes.
I read somewhere on an overseas forum that Mercedes is aiming to solve this software problem by the end of this year… I don’t know how reliable this source is but keeps changing battery is not good enough. Oh and my service person also said because of this problem, Germany is running out of batteries now.
Edit…Actually it was probably later than early January for the new battery.
Last edited by Ron.s; Jul 11, 2021 at 05:45 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 338
Likes: 101
From: Shaker Heights, Ohio
2021 E450 All Terrain Wagon
The info you are being given seems to be different than anything previously reported. This is the first time software has been given as a cause but that is the case for the Porsche Taycan so maybe it makes sense. Batteries with a new part number started shipping in January that so far seem to be working…at least no one has reported a failure with the new one. Was your build date in the 4th Q 2020 or when? The software timeline makes no sense either. This started well over 6 months ago so that puts a fix out a year from when it began. I’m no software guy but I would think that something this serious would be fixed ASAP. It didn’t take Porsche long.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GLE450
The info you are being given seems to be different than anything previously reported. This is the first time software has been given as a cause but that is the case for the Porsche Taycan so maybe it makes sense. Batteries with a new part number started shipping in January that so far seem to be working…at least no one has reported a failure with the new one. Was your build date in the 4th Q 2020 or when? The software timeline makes no sense either. This started well over 6 months ago so that puts a fix out a year from when it began. I’m no software guy but I would think that something this serious would be fixed ASAP. It didn’t take Porsche long.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: illinois
2021 AMG GLE 53 Coupe
My car was purchased about 12 days ago 2021 AMG GLE 53 it gave a fault for 48v? Is this a known issue? Because MB service is acting like this is soo unique do you have the bulletin?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: illinois
2021 AMG GLE 53 Coupe
48v on 2021 AMG GLE 53
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Senior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 338
Likes: 101
From: Shaker Heights, Ohio
2021 E450 All Terrain Wagon
I've had pretty much the same response from my dealer, and that generally that seems to be the response that most people posting on this forum have gotten when their 48 volt batters have failed. While there have probably been at least 10-20 posters here complaining about the battery failure or related issues, to my knowledge MB has not classified this as a known issue, which seems to be affecting lines with the 3.0 liter in-line six turbo with EQ Boost (including the GLE 450, AMG GLE, GLS 450, E 450 sedan and wagon, coupe and cabriolet, and CLS 450 and 53). What isn't known is whether those of us reporting failures on this forum are truly a unique few out of the multitude of similar vehicles that are doing just fine, or if we are just the tip of the iceberg of what should be declared as a known issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
I've had pretty much the same response from my dealer, and that generally that seems to be the response that most people posting on this forum have gotten when their 48 volt batters have failed. While there have probably been at least 10-20 posters here complaining about the battery failure or related issues, to my knowledge MB has not classified this as a known issue, which seems to be affecting lines with the 3.0 liter in-line six turbo with EQ Boost (including the GLE 450, AMG GLE, GLS 450, E 450 sedan and wagon, coupe and cabriolet, and CLS 450 and 53). What isn't known is whether those of us reporting failures on this forum are truly a unique few out of the multitude of similar vehicles that are doing just fine, or if we are just the tip of the iceberg of what should be declared as a known issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
I posted this on another thread but will add it here for the others reporting a failure. After 8 or 9 months and no fix, it might help speed things up if we file a safety complaint.
I decided to file my battery failure as a safety issue with the NHTSA. It’s a little bit of a pain since my VIN didn’t work, so I had to call them. It might help get faster resolution if the safety factor is reported by those of us with a failure. If the battery failed in busy Freeway traffic or in Winter in a remote location it will be more than an inconvenience. I also reported the Stop Sign issue with misreads creating unexpected braking in Distronic.
If anyone else wants to pile on…..
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#vehicle
I decided to file my battery failure as a safety issue with the NHTSA. It’s a little bit of a pain since my VIN didn’t work, so I had to call them. It might help get faster resolution if the safety factor is reported by those of us with a failure. If the battery failed in busy Freeway traffic or in Winter in a remote location it will be more than an inconvenience. I also reported the Stop Sign issue with misreads creating unexpected braking in Distronic.
If anyone else wants to pile on…..
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#vehicle
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 630
Likes: 177
From: SW Ontario Canada
2020 GLS580, 2023 Corvette Z06
Report to Government in every country affected.
I posted this on another thread but will add it here for the others reporting a failure. After 8 or 9 months and no fix, it might help speed things up if we file a safety complaint.
I decided to file my battery failure as a safety issue with the NHTSA. It’s a little bit of a pain since my VIN didn’t work, so I had to call them. It might help get faster resolution if the safety factor is reported by those of us with a failure. If the battery failed in busy Freeway traffic or in Winter in a remote location it will be more than an inconvenience. I also reported the Stop Sign issue with misreads creating unexpected braking in Distronic.
If anyone else wants to pile on…..
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#vehicle
I decided to file my battery failure as a safety issue with the NHTSA. It’s a little bit of a pain since my VIN didn’t work, so I had to call them. It might help get faster resolution if the safety factor is reported by those of us with a failure. If the battery failed in busy Freeway traffic or in Winter in a remote location it will be more than an inconvenience. I also reported the Stop Sign issue with misreads creating unexpected braking in Distronic.
If anyone else wants to pile on…..
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#vehicle
Since a lot of Canadians are reporting failures too we need to report this to Transport Canada. Transport Canada does not consider engine or other powertrain performance problems a safety defect but in this case it falls in the category as follows;
- critical vehicle components that may fail causing loss of vehicle control, or injury to people inside or outside the vehicle
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 9
2025 S 63 E, 2021 GLS 580, 2008 S550
I just scrolled through this thread looking for the part number for the "new" 48V battery but I didn't see it. Could someone post it or show me the link to the prior posting if there was one?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
I think Toban posted it somewhere else…you might PM him. Apparently some of the new ones have also failed going by the build dates…June for example.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
Yes, I had a new part number 48 volt battery put in before I took delivery. Unfortunately I didn’t get the part number. Car sat at the dealer for an extra 3 weeks waiting for arrival. Dealer checked the build codes and confirmed it was the old battery number installed at build time. Was told new battery was from a different manufacturer with different components.
The parts dept should have the old part number of the battery and the new part number. Sometimes these guys in the parts dept have no idea what they are looking for so you have to be specific. What we don’t know is how long Mercedes were shipping the old batteries. But, having said that, I was told when mine went in the latter part if April, Mercedes were not shipping out the old batteries anymore as replacements. Wonder if some filtered through the production line though.
Toban
The parts dept should have the old part number of the battery and the new part number. Sometimes these guys in the parts dept have no idea what they are looking for so you have to be specific. What we don’t know is how long Mercedes were shipping the old batteries. But, having said that, I was told when mine went in the latter part if April, Mercedes were not shipping out the old batteries anymore as replacements. Wonder if some filtered through the production line though.
Toban
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 9
2025 S 63 E, 2021 GLS 580, 2008 S550
Thanks toban. I did find the "old" part number so at least I have that for comparison. My car was delivered in March so not sure which battery might have gone in at that point. I asked my SA to give me the part number for the currently installed battery.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
I found a number on my repair order that might be the new battery…does this match what you found? 000-982-67-14
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 9
2025 S 63 E, 2021 GLS 580, 2008 S550
Thanks Ron.s and tony_cls63. The part number for the problem battery was reported to be 000-982-68-1 so the number you provided may be the replacement battery, although you would think it would be a higher sequence number. Something else to ponder…..
