Is the Failure of Mercedes-Benz 48V Mild Hybrid System Common?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz 48V mild hybrid system failures are indeed common. Below is a detailed introduction to the 48V mild hybrid system: 1. Advantages: The application of the 48V mild hybrid system enables the vehicle to power higher-capacity onboard systems, drive more powerful start-stop motors, and more effortlessly rotate the engine crankshaft to wake up the engine, reducing system operation delays and jerkiness. It can also achieve more functions; some 48V systems can even temporarily take over the air conditioning when the engine is off, supplying power to the air conditioning compressor to prevent it from shutting down. Additionally, the 48V mild hybrid system can reduce energy consumption and emissions by approximately 15-20%. 2. Disadvantages: If the voltage is too high, issues such as high-voltage circuit protection, electromagnetic compatibility, and the stability of the onboard electrical system need to be considered.
As a Mercedes GLE owner for three years, I must say the 48V mild hybrid system had quite a few issues in older models. My car was fine initially, but by 2021 it started throwing error codes indicating battery module overheating. The dealership diagnostics weren't cheap, and ultimately required part replacement. From owner group discussions, this was common in 2019-2021 Mercedes C-Class and E-Class models, with causes ranging from control unit failures to software bugs. Mercedes later issued software updates and recalls, and post-2022 models have stabilized. New buyers should pay attention to recall notices and maintain regular servicing. While the system offers fuel efficiency benefits, the high repair costs can impact daily driving convenience. If you're on a tight budget, considering extended warranty at purchase could save headaches and avoid breakdown risks.
The 48V mild hybrid technology is a breakthrough by Mercedes-Benz, but faults were quite common in early models. As someone who follows automotive technology, forum data indicates that issues frequently occurred with the ISG motor and control circuits, likely due to accelerated component aging under high temperatures. Between 2019 and 2021, Mercedes issued several recalls, and after optimizing the battery management system, newer versions have become much more reliable. As a tech enthusiast, I believe this system is overall quite good, with notable energy-saving effects. However, if buying a used Mercedes, be sure to check the service records to confirm firmware updates. Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights while driving—address them promptly if they appear. Hybrid technology is still evolving, and minor issues are inevitable, but Mercedes has responded quite proactively.
