2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+

My 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB250 (VIN: [XXX]) is currently sidelined at Mercedes-Benz of Pompano with a dangerous High-Voltage system failure that causes an immediate cascade error of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and vehicle braking systems. The technician verified the codes match Mercedes Service Bulletin LI42.45-P-079407 for an HV DC/DC Converter defect and matched my serial number to the bad batch. The vehicle simultaneously carries an active Federal Safety Recall for an internal High-Voltage Battery Pack explosion/fire risk (NHTSA Campaign 26V073). Mercedes-Benz USA Corporate (Case #[XXX]) and Service Director Hayden Smith are actively refusing to honor the 8-year/100,000-mile High-Voltage warranty on this converter. Furthermore, the dealership is threatening to charge me 'late fees' to strip away alternative loaner transportation. They are actively attempting to force a consumer to either pay $5,800 out-of-pocket for a warrantied high-voltage component or drive a compromised EV powertrain that violates the manufacturer's own outdoor parking safety mandates, as the owner resides in an apartment complex with an enclosed underground garage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11771441

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

The rear liftgate glass (backlite) of the vehicle shattered spontaneously while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied inside a closed parking garage on 09/30/2026. There was no break-in, no impact, no vandalism, and no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The entire tempered-glass pane crazed and partially collapsed with no visible point of impact, consistent with spontaneous tempered-glass failure caused by a nickel sulfide inclusion, a documented glass manufacturing defect. The failed glass is being replaced through the owner's insurance by Safelite AutoGlass. The selling dealer, Mercedes of Seattle, declined to inspect the vehicle and stated they had never heard of such a failure; the problem has not been inspected or confirmed by the manufacturer, a dealer, or an independent service center. Although no one was injured because the vehicle was unoccupied, the same failure while the vehicle is occupied or in motion could shower occupants with glass fragments and eliminate rearward visibility. The complainant asks NHTSA to investigate whether this indicates a glass manufacturing defect trend.

NHTSA ID

11768710

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

The rear liftgate glass (backlite) of the vehicle shattered spontaneously while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied inside a closed parking garage on 09/30/2026. There was no break-in, no impact, no vandalism, and no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The entire tempered-glass pane crazed and partially collapsed with no visible point of impact, consistent with spontaneous tempered-glass failure caused by a nickel sulfide inclusion, a documented glass manufacturing defect. The failed glass is being replaced through the owner's insurance by Safelite AutoGlass. The selling dealer, Mercedes of Seattle, declined to inspect the vehicle and stated they had never heard of such a failure; the problem has not been inspected or confirmed by the manufacturer, a dealer, or an independent service center. Although no one was injured because the vehicle was unoccupied, the same failure while the vehicle is occupied or in motion could shower occupants with glass fragments and eliminate rearward visibility. The complainant asks NHTSA to investigate whether this indicates a glass manufacturing defect trend.

NHTSA ID

11768708

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

BATTER RECALL FIRE SAFETY: I have a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ affected by NHTSA safety recall 26V073. Mercedes has acknowledged that the high-voltage battery can fail internally and cause a fire. I’m instructed to charge only to 80% and park outside away from structures, and Mercedes’ latest remedy requires replacement of the entire high-voltage battery. This is already a low range vehicle and limiting to max 140 miles on interstate before having to charge 45 minutes is a nightmare. I need to drive between states for work and this is just simply not feasible after doing so for months without a solution. The first recall was March 2025 with no fix.

NHTSA ID

11760604

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

The battery in this car can catch fire at any time while parked. The dealership would not take the car to inspect, repair or replace the battery because there is no remedy available at this time. The recall information go back to January 2026 with no remedy or resolution available period. Instructions say I can charge it only up to 80%. I have to make adjustments to my daily routine. Instructions say I have to park it away from buildings. This car is a serious safety hazard for humans and buildings.

NHTSA ID

11750095

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Manufacturer Recall Number 2026020004 NHTSA Recall Number26V073 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Due to the combination of certain production and use conditions, an internal short circuit of a battery cell in the high-voltage battery, might lead to a thermal event. Subsequently, an increased risk of a fire cannot be ruled out. Vehicle is unsafe. limited usage to 80% (about 170mls) can't park in the garage / heavy commute vehicle / No remedy since Feb 2026 / I want Mercedes Benz to take it back and refund me my costs of owning the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11744343

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

While driving on Route 3 East (Plank Road) in the Fredericksburg area of Virginia, the electronic displays on the dashboard went completely blank for approximately about 15 seconds.

NHTSA ID

11743997

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

While driving on Interstate Highway 95, the electronic displays on the dashboard went completely blank for approximately 10 minutes.

NHTSA ID

11743995

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.

Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite the previous request. This glitch is causing the cover art mismatch in the Radio application. Remedy Please do not replace any parts. Please update the Head unit software to E505.9

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10‑P‑067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!

Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. ‑ Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged boot (see attachment). ‑ Cracks (1) ‑ High pressure cleaner (2) ‑ Animal bite (3) See various examples listed in the attachments for examples of outside influence. Remedy Remove boot clamps closest to steering gear housing on both left and right (as seen in "Steering Rack Boot Clamp Location"). Pull back boot and inspect for rust, broken end stops, water, or any other anomalies. Replace electric steering. Note: Steering gears replaced due to outside influence or damage must not be claimed under warranty!

Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double‑clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button being activated accidentally or unintentionally. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add SA Code O19 into VeDoc (O for Oscar, not "zero") • an XSS ticket may be necessary to add the SA code 2. Perform SCN coding of EIS N73 control unit 3. Deactivate the vehicle key (a successful deactivation is indicated by the LED lighting up 2x briefly and then 1x for a long period). 4. Place the vehicle key in the storage compartment on the key symbol and turn on the ignition. IMPORTANT: all other vehicle keys must be outside the recognition range of the vehicle when doing this! Perform steps 3 and 4 successively for all vehicle keys. Notes: 6th, 7th and 8th generation keys can be deactivated as follows: Up to modification year 22/1 by double clicking the "Lock button" As of modification year 22/1, by press and holding the “Lock button", then double‑click the “Unlock button" at the same time. On model series 167, the storage compartment with the key symbol is located in the armrest. The SCN coding from the EZS is only transferred correctly to the vehicle key under the following conditions: Only one vehicle key is located in the vehicle, this key has been deactivated and it is positioned on the marking in the storage compartment for the data transfer. The costs for this adaptation are to be borne by the customer. For the newer BR 174, 178, 244, 248, 520, and 540, a software update must be initiated, as there is no way to perform SCN coding.