2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC

On April 15, 2026 at approximately 1:30 PM PT, I entered my 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 500 4MATIC (approximately 20,000 miles) in my garage. The vehicle was not plugged in or charging prior to entry. I opened the car, sat in the driver's seat, and authenticated via the fingerprint scanner. The seat began adjusting to my stored profile position. While the seat was adjusting, I tapped the center console to open Apple CarPlay. The seat stopped moving midway through its adjustment, and what appeared to be every warning light on the instrument cluster illuminated simultaneously. I observed dozens of yellow and red warning icons, including a towing/recovery indicator. A number of warning messages also appeared on the screen. I manually adjusted the seat using the door-side controls. I attempted to shift into reverse to back out of the garage, but the vehicle would not engage. I then tried shifting into drive and the vehicle similarly would not engage. The drivetrain was completely unresponsive. I exited the vehicle, locked it, and re-entered to attempt a restart. All warning and system lights returned immediately and the vehicle again would not shift into any gear. I then connected the vehicle to my home charger. The charge port indicator on the vehicle flashed red, indicating it would not accept a charge. I disconnected the charger and attempted to start the vehicle a third time with the same result. I left the vehicle and took another car. The vehicle sat for approximately 45 minutes. At approximately 2:20 PM PT, another household member started the vehicle. It started normally with no warning lights and was able to drive without issue. The vehicle has been driven twice since this incident. On the following day (April 16, 2026), the Active Brake Assist system displayed a warning message indicating it is not functioning. This system was working normally prior to the April 15 incident.

NHTSA ID

11731586

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

Vehicle shut down while driving on highway, repeated drive system malfunction, turtle mode. The vehicle has experienced a recurring, unresolved drivetrain malfunction — specifically, a drive system malfunction and battery malfunction causing the vehicle to enter severely reduced-power mode ("turtle mode") — that has persisted through a minimum of three (3) separate repair attempts across two authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships, totaling more than sixteen (16) calendar days out of service within approximately 47 days of the first failure. Most critically, on March 14, 2026, while driving on a public highway in Ontario, Canada, this defect caused the vehicle to shut down completely while in motion, forcing me to pull over on the highway shoulder. The vehicle would not restart for approximately one hour. This constitutes a serious and dangerous safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11730075

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

Complaint When switching the front passenger display on and off, sporadic images may be shown that are similar to stains on the display. This complaint need not be a permanent one, it may disappear again on its own. Attachments 1648459315482 (1).jpg 1648459315528.jpg Cause Implausible video transfer from head unit during start and switch‑off sequence. These images (artifacts) are of a purely cosmetic nature only and they do not impair the function. Remedy Software update of MBUX (A26/17) to software release E316.5 or higher.

Complaint When switching the front passenger display on and off, sporadic images may be shown that are similar to stains on the display. This complaint need not be a permanent one, it may disappear again on its own. Cause Implausible video transfer from head unit during start and switch‑off sequence. These images (artifacts) are of a purely cosmetic nature only and they do not impair the function. Remedy Software update of MBUX (A26/17) to software release E316.5 or higher.

Issue A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. The update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. During this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, and the new software will be active with the next ignition cycle. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

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.

A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. The update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. During this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, and the new software will be active with the next ignition cycle. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

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.