2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 350+

Since January 2025, the front passenger occupant-classification system on my 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 intermittently fails to detect a properly seated adult occupant and instead displays "Passenger Airbag Disabled" on the instrument cluster. When this occurs, the system misclassifies an occupied seat as empty/child and deactivates the front passenger airbag — meaning the airbag would not deploy for that occupant in a crash. I have presented the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of Chantilly five times for this defect: - Jan 8–14, 2025 (RO 268946, 4,459 mi) — technician performed a zero-setting recalibration of the N110 weight-classification module and a teach-in procedure; defect persisted - Feb 21, 2025 (RO 270989) - May 14–21, 2025 (RO 275140, 7,330 mi) - Oct 31, 2025 (RO 284244) - Mar 23, 2026 (RO 290690, 14,689 mi) — final repair attempt following a certified written notice to Mercedes-Benz USA Every visit, the dealer recorded "could not duplicate" and returned the car unrepaired. I have repeatedly photographed the "Passenger Airbag Disabled" warning with my wife — an adult — properly seated in the front passenger seat. The defect continues to occur in normal use. Because the front passenger airbag cannot be trusted, my wife now rides in the back seat. This appears to be a systemic occupant-classification defect, not an isolated sensor glitch: the dealer's own recalibration of the classification system failed to correct it, and the misclassification recurs across 18+ months and 15,000+ miles of driving. I am concerned other EQE/EQS owners with smaller-stature front passengers may be driving with deactivated passenger airbags without knowing it. I request NHTSA investigate whether the occupant-classification system on this platform reliably detects adult occupants across the full range of adult body sizes.

NHTSA ID

11766723

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

The panoramic sunroof on the vehicle just expoded and shatter for no apparent reason, sending pieces of glass on the sunroof sun screen. Sounded like a shotgun blast when this occured. It occured on 10/23/25 at 2:00 in the afternoon while driving on a side street in my neighboorhood. Vehicle taken to dealership on 10/24/25 for repair, dealer would not acknowledge a failure with the sunroof glass, but could not find what caused the damaged and blamed in on a rock. This glass was not damaged and literally exploded when the incident occured and no other vehicles were near by.

NHTSA ID

11695472

Incident

Oct 23, 2025

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.