As Mercedes-Benz’s first major push into electric cars, the 2022 EQS has a lot riding on its wheel arches. And so far, the luxury EV has held up under the pressure of expectations. However, no car or car company is immune to issues. Late last year, Mercedes issued an EQS recall over potential infotainment-related distractions. Now, it’s rounding up a smaller EQS batch over something even more serious: fire risks.

Mercedes issues a 2022 EQS recall because the ‘S’ might stand for ‘scorching’

As it’s an EV with a large-capacity lithium-ion battery pack, electrical safety is even more important to the Mercedes EQS than, say, an S-Class. Hence why Mercedes issued this recall when it noticed something amiss with one of the car’s ground connections. Or rather, with a ground connection and a related electrical connection, Roadshow explains.

According to the recall notice, the ground connection on some 2022 Mercedes EQS models’ front-left longitudinal chassis members might be improperly secure.  All electrical systems need a secure ground connection to keep their energy contained and flowing correctly. Without these connections, electricity can jump around unconstrained, causing short circuits, flying sparks, and/or fire. And a short circuit involving a 107.8-kWh battery packs more punch than any rug-induced static shock.

In addition, Mercedes says that the involved EQS models might have improperly-connected auxiliary heaters. It’s unclear if these motor-compartment-mounted heaters are for the cabin or for the EQS’s electric motors. Regardless, the loose electrical connections carry the same risk of sparks and flames.

This isn’t the first time an automaker recalled EVs over fire risks

While it’s likely disheartening to hear that your $100K-plus EV is getting recalled, it’s worth noting that Mercedes isn’t the first to issue a fire-based recall.

GM, for example, had a major headache with the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s LG battery packs catching fire. Tesla also had fire issues, both with its EVs and its solar panels. And while it didn’t involve pure EVs, BMW’s hybrid recall prompted a (forgive me) fiery lawsuit. It’s also worth noting that many of these recalls involved the batteries; the new Mercedes one doesn’t.

In addition, although EV fires are harder to control than internal-combustion car fires, EVs aren’t as fire-prone overall. And it’s not like electric cars are the only ones that get recalled over fire risks. Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Ram, Nissan, and even RV manufacturer Jayco all issued recalls in 2021 because of fire-related faults.

So, this Mercedes EQS recall isn’t pleasant news, but it’s not unusual or even unique.

This 2022 Mercedes EQS recall only affects a handful of cars

Although no news of potential fires is good, on the plus side, only a small batch of 2022 Mercedes EQS models are affected. Although the recall covers the EQS 450+, 580 4Matic, and AMG EQS, it only involves 24 cars. Nope, not 24,000—just 24.

Mercedes says that the ground connection issues could cause affected models’ left headlights to malfunction. However, it’s not a guarantee. Thus, it urges all affected owners to bring their EVs in for recall repairs ASAP. To check if your 2022 EQS is included in the recall, check the NHTSA’s VIN-based recall tool.

Fortunately, the fix is free and fairly straightforward, Roadshow reports. Your local Mercedes dealer will inspect the loose connections and secure them properly. And unless your EQS needs new parts, you’ll be good to go.

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