2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3656.3%
- Fuel system914.1%
- Engine69.4%
- Powertrain (other)46.3%
- Driver assistance34.7%
- Brakes23.1%
- Visibility11.6%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
- Seat belts11.6%
- Airbags11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
There is a recall associated with this model that causes catastrophic stoppage without any ability to drive. My vehicle VIN does not have a recall according to your site. Despite this, my vehicle catastrophically stopped multiple times. It was repaired at least three times and still stopped in the middle of the highway. My partner and I were stopped on I-85S with no ability to move, honk, put on hazards. Cars zoomed past at full speed. I called 911 as we braced for impact. We are lucky to be alive and now suffer from severe trauma. They eventually closed the entire highway and dragged the vehicle to the shoulder almost 30 min later. Mbusa was aware of this defect before rejecting my lemon law claim, but my vehicle was not included apparently. I feel more investigation is needed because it seems very likely my vehicle should be included in the recall. I appreciate your attention to this matter.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a recall associated with this model that causes catastrophic stoppage without any ability to drive. My vehicle VIN does not have a recall according to your site. Despite this, my vehicle catastrophically stopped multiple times. It was repaired at least three times and still stopped in the middle of the highway. My partner and I were stopped on I-85S with no ability to move, honk, put on hazards. Cars zoomed past at full speed. I called 911 as we braced for impact. We are lucky to be alive and now suffer from severe trauma. They eventually closed the entire highway and dragged the vehicle to the shoulder almost 30 min later. Mbusa was aware of this defect before rejecting my lemon law claim, but my vehicle was not included apparently. I feel more investigation is needed because it seems very likely my vehicle should be included in the recall. I appreciate your attention to this matter.
My 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB is included in the high-voltage battery fire recall (NHTSA campaign 26V073). The recall states the battery cells may fail internally at a high state of charge, causing an internal short circuit and a potential fire whether the vehicle is parked or being driven, with no advance warning while parked. As interim safety measures, Mercedes-Benz instructed me to limit charging to 80% and to park the vehicle outdoors, away from structures. These restrictions materially impair the vehicle's use: I cannot charge to full capacity and cannot park in my garage due to the fire risk to my home. The permanent remedy is replacement of the high-voltage battery pack. However, my Mercedes-Benz dealer has informed me that the replacement parts will not be available until 2027. That means I am being asked to operate a vehicle with an acknowledged fire risk, under charging and parking restrictions, for roughly 18 months or more, with no remedy currently available. I am requesting that NHTSA document this lack of an available remedy and the extended timeline. A delay of this length leaves owners exposed to the safety defect the recall was issued to address.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a recall associated with this model that causes catastrophic stoppage without any ability to drive. My vehicle VIN does not have a recall according to your site. Despite this, my vehicle catastrophically stopped multiple times. It was repaired at least three times and still stopped in the middle of the highway. My partner and I were stopped on I-85S with no ability to move, honk, put on hazards. Cars zoomed past at full speed. I called 911 as we braced for impact. We are lucky to be alive and now suffer from severe trauma. They eventually closed the entire highway and dragged the vehicle to the shoulder almost 30 min later. Mbusa was aware of this defect before rejecting my lemon law claim, but my vehicle was not included apparently. I feel more investigation is needed because it seems very likely my vehicle should be included in the recall. I appreciate your attention to this matter.
I am reporting a significant safety concern regarding my 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB. While my specific VIN has not been included in the current high-voltage battery fire risk recall (NHTSA Campaign 26V073000), my vehicle is a 2023 model that shares the identical high-voltage battery architecture, manufacturing window, and platform design as the approximately 12,000 EQB vehicles officially recalled due to an internal defect that causes sudden, unpredictable battery fires. As a vehicle owner, I am now experiencing deep, well-founded anxiety regarding the safety of this vehicle. Due to the proximity of my vehicle's design to those definitively identified as defective, I have lost confidence in the vehicle's safe operation. I can no longer park this vehicle in an enclosed garage or charge it with confidence, effectively limiting my ability to utilize the vehicle as intended. I am filing this report to formally document my concern that this safety defect may be more widespread than the current recall population suggests, posing an unreasonable risk to the safety of myself and the public.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am requesting that my 2023 Mercedes‑Benz EQB be added to the recall associated with high‑voltage battery safety issues. My vehicle is exhibiting the same symptoms described in NHTSA Recall No. 26V073000, but my VIN is not currently included. I was instructed not to fully charge the vehicle and warned that it may pose a fire hazard if parked inside my garage. These warnings indicate a serious safety defect involving the high‑voltage battery system. The vehicle cannot be safely stored at my residence, and its normal operation is substantially impaired. The safety risk is significant: the vehicle may overheat or catch fire during charging or while parked. This creates a danger to occupants, nearby structures, and the public. The problem has been acknowledged by the manufacturer in communications but no permanent repair is available. The symptoms and restrictions match those described in the existing recall. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and determine whether my vehicle should be added to the affected VIN list, as it appears to suffer from the same high‑voltage battery defect and presents the same safety hazards.
I am writing to formally notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that Mercedes-Benz USA has failed to remedy a known safety defect within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30120. This notification is submitted in relation to the recall issued under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act regarding the high-voltage battery cells in the 2023 EQB. The manufacturer has acknowledged that an internal short circuit within the battery cells may lead to a vehicle fire while driving or parked. Despite this, a timely and effective remedy has not been provided, leaving me to manage the following severe burdens: • Safety and Psychological Distress: Every time I operate this vehicle, I experience significant anxiety. My primary concern is the safety of my grandchildren; I am constantly haunted by the question of whether I could safely extricate them from the vehicle should it ignite while in motion. • Property and Liability Concerns: I am currently forced to park the vehicle away from other cars and structures to mitigate the risk of a conflagration. I am deeply concerned about my legal and financial obligations should the vehicle ignite and cause damage to third-party property or result in personal injury. • Diminished Performance: The vehicle currently exhibits a decreased mileage range, failing to meet the performance specifications promised at the time of lease. • Breach of Lease Terms: I am required to make full monthly lease payments as per my agreement. However, Mercedes-Benz is failing to uphold their portion of the contract by providing a vehicle that is safe, functional, and fit for its intended purpose. I request that the NHTSA investigate Mercedes-Benz’s delay in providing a definitive remedy and hold the manufacturer accountable for the loss of use and the inherent dangers posed by this defect. A car that "potentially could ignite into flames" at any moment is not a "remedied" vehicle under the law.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Compounded Electrical Failures In addition to the battery defect, this specific vehicle has exhibited recurring electrical malfunctions, including: Total failure of the backup cameras and parking sensors. Intermittent failure of the HVAC system (Air Conditioning), critical in the Florida climate. Erratic Autonomous Braking: The vehicle has repeatedly engaged emergency braking while reversing without cause, nearly resulting in multiple collisions. Diminished Utility and Breach of Lease Expectations The "interim" instructions provided by Mercedes-Benz have fundamentally altered the vehicle’s functionality from the terms established at the start of my lease: Charge Limitation: The "MUST NOT exceed 80%" mandate reduces the vehicle's range and utility, failing to meet the deliverable of a fully functional EV. Parking Restrictions: The requirement to park outside for fear of a garage fire is an unreasonable burden that violates the expected use of a luxury vehicle. Failure to Remedy within a Reasonable Time (49 U.S.C. § 30120) Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, specifically 49 U.S.C. § 30120(c)(2), a manufacturer’s failure to remedy a defect within 60 days of a vehicle being presented or a notice being issued constitutes prima facie evidence of a failure to remedy within a reasonable time. The notice for Recall 26V073 was issued in March 2026. As of today, May 11, 2026, more than 60 days have passed without an actionable remedy or a definitive timeline for repair. There have been ZERO warnings or indications of the above mentioned.
When driving above 40 mph, I have experienced seemingly random brakes, which most likely is due to the automatic emergency braking system. I have seen it work properly when a car cuts me off in traffic, which it makes sense then. But in several instances, it's pumped the brakes when there is no obstacle or car around. It's quite scary since you might get hit from behind. One time it braked so suddenly I was jolted forward in my seat. It also has an issue with parking sensors going off also randomly going under 10 mph. All of them activate on red.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300. The contact stated that his wife was parking inside the garage, and the brake pedal was depressed she felt the brake pedal was vibrating, and the vehicle then accelerated independently. The contact stated that after several times depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was able to come to a stop. It was unknown if the warning lights illuminated. On a separate occasion, the contact was driving at 5 MPH coming to a stop, the brake pedal was released and felt abnormal vibration; the vehicle then accelerated independently. The vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into a tree trunk where it came to a stop. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. The contact was unsure if there was a warning light illuminated on that occasion. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a case manager would be reaching out. The contact stated that a chemical odor was emitting from the engine weeks before the incident. The failure mileage was 20,000.
We were driving along a 4 lane state road and the car suddenly applied the brakes hard and swerved to the right. A light blinked on the dash with a picture of the car and a red line on the right hand side. No cars were in the next lane over and there were no issues with the roadway. I was driving straight in the line and not near the left hand side of the Lane.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear windshield shattered spontaneously without any external impact while the vehicle was parked. Mercedes-Benz USA advised bringing the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation of a possible manufacturing defect, but the dealer replaced the glass and charged for repair. This raises a concern for potential safety defect or glass stress failure in EQB models.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since new in April 2023, I have had 6 flat tires in less than 12,000 miles. Always the same failure mode: tearing by rock chips. I have been advised by the Mercedes dealer that at my own expense, I can replace the tires. The tire dealer noted that the low profile wheel/tire combination as this vehicle has as standard equipment, is subject to rock tears. This is an SUV and there is no advice to avoid gravel roads such as my own driveway. This vehicle is unreliable. I have had the same driveway since 2006 with no history of flat tires.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Within one week of car purchase, the car is alerting that the SRS system is not working and it needs to be taken to a dealership. Dealership doesn't have am timeline on when they will be able to fix it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Within one week of car purchase, the car is alerting that the SRS system is not working and it needs to be taken to a dealership. Dealership doesn't have am timeline on when they will be able to fix it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .