2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Owner Complaints

The speed limit indicator included in the software package flashes constantly (approximately once per second), both inside the instrument cluster and in the Heads Up Display. The speed limit shown is almost always not accurate to the current speed limit, even when passing multiple very clear road signs showing the speed limit. The car still flashes when the speed limit it is showing is not being exceeded. Furthermore, when it cannot read the speed limit, the indicator will often flash road signs for other countries. All of this is happening within the field of view of the driver due to the Heads Up Display, causing a visual distraction which could result in accident. Mercedes and the dealer are aware of the issue, and according to my local dealer Mercedes promised to fix it last year, and then promised again to fix it by Q1 of 2026, both deadlines having passed. This same information was corroborated by a post on Reddit from a user who spoke with Mercedes. When I spoke to Mercedes support on the phone they indicated that my particular car was not even supposed to have this road sign feature, so the fact that it is appearing on my car is incorrect.

NHTSA ID

11734309

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

About 1000 feet after merging onto a 4 lane freeway with sparse traffic, we were driving the car in the 3rd lane from the right. Suddenly the car's steering wheel took a hard right turn, forcing the car through multiple other lanes and onto the shoulder of the freeway, through an unpaved area, nearly colliding with freeway signs. I was able to regain control of the car before a collision and get back on the freeway. I continued on the freeway at a lower speed and after another 1000 feet or so, the car's steering wheel once again took a hard right turn, forcing the vehicle onto the shoulder, and colliding with a railing and a freeway sign. During this second instance, the lighting inside the car when off completely. During both off these episodes, I had my foot off the accelerator and the brake. Automatic Driving and Driver Assist were disabled. The safety of my self and my passenger were put at risk. The car was free of any warning lamps or inspection warnings prior to the accident. The car is currently in a repair shop.

NHTSA ID

11708793

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

I was on interstate hwy the car had a Mal-function indicator and the drive train locked up. brakes did not work, steering did not work the car spinner 3 times and was stopped by hitting the concrete barier. the air bags did not work either. I believe the entire battery or power system had shut down as I also got the 12 v back up battery is running out.

NHTSA ID

11678182

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

The contact owned a 2022 Mercedes Benz EQS 450. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and approaching a parked vehicle on the side of the road, the contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the brake failure, the front passenger’s side bumper crashed into the rear driver’s side bumper of the parked vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to maintain the same speed while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that after passing the first vehicle, his vehicle independently took a right turn and continued driving onto the sidewalk and onto the driveway of a home before crashing into the vehicle parked in the driveway which pushed the other vehicle into the garage door. The parked vehicle that was pushed into the garage door then struck the vehicle that was parked inside the garage. The contact stated that the brake pedal was being depressed throughout the failure; however, the vehicle only came to a stop after crashing into the parked vehicle in the driveway. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed during the crash. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance and was treated for back pain, neck pain, and shoulders. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed by the Police Department and then to an undisclosed location before the contact and the Insurance Company had the vehicle towed to Millenium Auto Body which was an authorized Mercedes-Benz repair facility. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and a case was filed with the manufacturer. The contact stated that a total of three vehicles and the garage door were damaged due to the brake failure. The contact stated that prior to the crash, the contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently stop abruptly. The contact stated that the forward sensor would perceive that there was an object in the road and activate the Forward Collision Avoidance syst

NHTSA ID

11652625

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

My car has experienced spontaneous power loss and shutdown on four separate occasions since December 21, 2024. The first occasion was on [XXX] on [XXX] (a major road with a 45mph speed limit) where the car made a loud pop sound and juddered to a stop). It would not restart immediately leaving my family and I stuck in the center lane of a relatively high speed and busy road). The second occasion was on that same drive when it exhibited the same ‘pop’ sound and total power loss—this time on a busy 50 mph curving road. I managed to nurse it to a side street where it would not immediately restart and had to be flat bed towed to the dealership (Mercedes of Plano) The car was in the shop for approximately a week and a half while it was repaired by updating the software. On [XXX] the car again lost power spontaneously on our street and was again towed via flat bed to the dealership. It has been at the dealership since then and they have reloaded the software and test drove it multiple times. I was slated to pick the car up again when I got a message from Mercedes of Plano that the car had failed on them and would not restart. They have escalated this issue with Mercedes and opened a TIPS case for specialized support from Mercedes. I am happy to INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11646631

Incident

Dec 21, 2024

Was getting on the freeway and speed up to highway speed 70 mph in Oklahoma City and Drive train malfunction appeared, got off next exit and park in parking lot

NHTSA ID

11645465

Incident

Feb 22, 2025

I reported last week about the brakes automatically coming on Tracking #11631195 It happened again today in reverse at 2-3 mph. Brakes activated and jolted me

NHTSA ID

11632010

Incident

Dec 22, 2024

Was driving 20 mph on a two lane road and my brakes came on for 1-2 seconds, it was sudden and jarred me forward

NHTSA ID

11631195

Incident

Oct 15, 2024

My wife has experienced six emergency braking events where there was no other car around. Three of the events have occurred at the exact same place. First event: backing slowly out of a parking space and the car suddenly stopped with no traffic in the area Second event: Backing out of a parking space (no other cars in the parking lot) and the car suddenly stopped Third event: Going forward in the Interstate at about 60MPH when the car suddenly stopped Fourth through Sixth events: Going forward on a city street between 30-40MPH when the car suddenly stops at the same exact place (different times of day). Three different dealers have been dealt with. Each one says that they cannot recreate the issue but that it should be cleared up with the next software update. Yet, it continues to happen. Manufacturer has been notified but has not asked/offered to inspect the vehicle or the area where the issue can be recreated (however, we have recently notified the manufacturer - we relied on the dealerships in the past year). Police nor insurance representative have inspected (nor been asked to in all fairness). Each time, either immediately before or contemporaneous with the braking has been a loud audible beep. Safety of the general driving public is at risk, not just the driver and occupants of the vehicle, because a sudden emergency braking incident with no hazard present is dangerous and can create the exact issue that the system should be preventing: a collision. The date of the incident listed is the approximate date of the last incident. The first one was in the Spring of 2023. The vehicle was purchased used in January of 2023 with approx. 4k miles on it. It now has 16,640 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11609676

Incident

Aug 14, 2024

The “Active Assist” features of the vehicle [Blind Spot Assist, Braking Assist, Distance Assist, Emergency Stop Assist and Lane Change Assist - was not able to check all of these above because of the selection limit] have repeatedly and randomly become inoperative while I was driving the car. I have expressed my safety concerns with the service department and management of the dealership that sold me the car. While they have returned the car to me with the malfunction temporarily cured, it has recurred on more than three occasions, sometimes “fixing” itself and other times requiring dealer intervention. The dealership cannot assure me that it is fully and finally “fixed” and I have no reason to believe that the issue will not recur as it has so many times in the past. The dealer also refused my request to say it cannot be fully and finally fixed, but their offer of $50,000 for this car (less than half of the total purchase price for a car with only approximately 14,500 miles) on a trade for a used 2022 model priced at $110,000 is some indication that they view my vehicle as flawed. I do not feel safe in the car and their offer requiring me to take a substantial haircut on this purchase is not acceptable, particularly since they cannot (or will not) confirm one way or the other whether the issues are fully and finally fixed.

NHTSA ID

11600917

Incident

Dec 17, 2023

There is not a specific incident.The brakes are and have always been difficult to brake since I purchased the Mercedes EQS+ in 2022. I was told that all mercedes Benz electric cars were difficult to brake. It is generally recognized by the service representatives, the electric car technicians. Mercedes salesmen have had discussion about this issue in their weekly sales meetings. I have had a lot of safety recalls installed and had taken my car to a person who sells and repairs upper end cars including Mercedes Benz and BMW to see what he thought about how my car was driving. I was surprised when he focussed on the brakes. He said they were very dangerous and told me not to drive the car. I told him that in the beginning Mercedes service said the car was very heavy and I would get used to the brakes. My person said "he has a 20,000 lb motor home. When he applies the brakes they stop the motor home. "People drive trucks heavier than your car and when they apply the brakes the truck stops". So, I spoke again to the dealership. I asked the technician if he could call corporate and tell them of the general concern of the mercedes dealership employees about the brakes. He said NO. The only person who could make that happen was me and other drivers filing a complaint to NHTSA. He said if there were enough complaints Mercedes would design software an open a new safety recall that would enhance the effectiveness of the braking system. So, that's what I am doing. I tried to file a complaint before by phone and the lady totally misunderstood my complaint and her research not at all applicable. If it is true that all the electric mercedes benz cars have brakes like mine I hope Mercedes will address the issue before someone is hurt.The car is especially inefficient in speeds of 45mph and over. In slower speeds they are more manageable if not in stop and go traffic. I wonder how many accidents have actually been because of these brakes? Allow more room between cars.

NHTSA ID

11581510

Incident

Feb 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450V. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated before the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the braking system was operating as designed, per the regenerative braking setting activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11578779

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11576242

Incident

Sep 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance feature engaged several times, causing the vehicle to brake unintendedly. The contact stated that there were no vehicles or objects in front of the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a software update needed to be performed to fix the issue. The repair was pending. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired due to the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 11,500.

NHTSA ID

11568737

Incident

Jan 23, 2024

Mileage

11,500 mi

re-open it again with the Key Fob. Sometimes it takes a while for the car to unlock. I've been having issues charging the vehicle since Day 1 of purchased since the computer in the vehicle is not able to communicate from time to time with the Electrify America charging stations for plug and charge. I will need to call in to Electrify America charging stations so they can do an override to be able to charge the vehicle. I have to waste 2.5 hours every time I want to charge the vehicle which is usually 2-3 times a week. Another safety concern I have is that when driving around 45-50 mph and I am attempting to apply the brake softly to start slowing down due to heavy traffic, I have reported to the dealership that the brakes feel like it takes some time to brake and slips. I have to pump the brake 2 to 3 times so the brakes can start working right. The dealership stated that is possible that the ASB braking system might be working correctly but that they could not replicate the symptoms that I was describing. I have talked to Mercedes Benz USA and open up a claim and asked them to do a buyback of the the vehicle due to all of the safety issues concerns I have expressed. The Case Number I have open with right now is (Case #XXX) The case is being handled by Marry - Executive Referral Manager of Mercedes-Benz USA Customer Assistance Center. She can be reached at 800-367-6372. I also reported these concerns to NTHS of the state of California and I have an open case # XXX. I reported all of this issues to them on Thursday 12/7/2023 around 8:30am Pacific Time. NTHS confirmed that not only mercedes is experiencing this issues but other customers has reported this automatic phantom braking happening with other vehicles as well and is very unfortunate and extremely dangerous. I am concern with having to drive my vehicle in this conditions since an accident already occurred do to vehicle braking on its own and going reversed on its own while on drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

NHTSA ID

11561421

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, and with no traffic around him, the vehicle inadvertently braked to a stop. The contact stated there was no other vehicle or pedestrian in front of his vehicle. The contact stated no warnings were illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue with normal driving functions. The contact stated that the inadvertent braking failure occurred again when he was at a traffic light. The contact stated that as the light changed to green, he depressed the accelerator pedal the vehicle moved forward, and then stopped in the middle of the intersection. The contact stated that the vehicle behind him crashed into his rear bumper. The contact stated that he depressed the accelerator to move out of the intersection and the vehicle braked again and the shifter lever had independently shifted into reverse (R). The contact depressed the brake pedal and saw that the ABS, and a "brake malfunction" warning lights illuminated, also a symbol of a steering wheel with an "exclamation point" was observed. The contact stated that the damage to his rear bumper was only scratches and the other vehicle had minor scratches on the front bumper. The contact stated that both vehicles were drivable and the police were not called. Additionally, the contact stated that when he would depress the brake pedal the vehicle would not immediately begin to slow, the contact would have to pump the brake pedal to slow the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where the dealer reported that the inadvertent braking failure and other brake failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11558923

Incident

Nov 11, 2022

Mileage

23,000 mi

on several occasion typically at lower speeds under 40 mph the vehicle suddenly and without warning activates the emergency braking system to a stop and releases even though there is no perceived danger by the driver. It has happened on 5-7 times since buying the vehicle. It has happened on a two lane road as well as four lane divided road, in rain and in dry weather.

NHTSA ID

11549592

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Automatic emergency brakes triggered twice on me even though there was no emergency or obstruction anywhere near me. One incident occurred as I was trying to drive onto a car ferry, the braking system triggered as I neared an expansion joint on a bridge. Second incident occurred as I was driving straight ahead. Car was coming opposite direction in their own lane. Auto emergency brakes triggered again. Ended up with a sore neck and headache from the second incident

NHTSA ID

11543043

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

Car is equipped with Distronic cruise and has maximum 4 car lengths stopping distance. It was set on 4 car length. While driving north on 55 fwy and exiting to 405 fwy in California. Exit (single lane) was dead stop due to traffic and while I was on cruising at 70 mph. Car would not stop and I had to take over to stop- hard braking just in time. The SUV behind me had to swear to emergency lane ( right side) to avoid a rear end collision. All my family (4) were screaming that it could’ve been a serious accident. This has happened more than once. Even on the surface road reaction to stop is late and jerky. My self and my wife hates it. 3 attempts at the dealership has not resolved it. [XXX] of Ontario Ca answer is, it up to the specs. My request for repurchase was rejected as it doesn’t fall into Lemon law. It is a major safety defect and can be dangerous to use of Distronic cruise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11541570

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

While driving the car at any speed between 35mph-70mph, one of the doors will occasionally unlatch. No more than one has unlatched at the same time. All four doors are set to lock automatically once the car is in motion. When a door unlatches, I get a visual alert on the dash, car dings loudly, and I can visually see a 2-3 inch gap between the open door and the vehicle. The door lock symbol on the driver's door still shows the doors are locked (even when the driver's door is the one unlatched). It is frightening when this occurs. Another issue also occurs intermittently. While driving, the hyperscreen will emitted an alert almost as loud as a tornado siren, the car symbol flashes onto the hyperscreen with red lines along all four sides of the car symbol. Within seconds, the command center turns off. I have no ability to know the speed or manage any controls on the car. I am not certain the car is safe to drive. The problems cannot be be recreated on demand. The manufacturer does not release a list of problems that are corrected by software updates, so I do not know if an update could fix these problems. My local dealer does not know much about the EQ line of cars at all. It is not safe to take photos when this occurs since I am actively driving. The car is available for inspect upon request.

NHTSA ID

11529979

Incident

Jun 30, 2023

I was driving my EQS on Thursday May 25th, 2023, at about 1:30 PM heading eastbound on the southern portion of the 202 Loop in Maricopa County AZ at a rate of about 75 MPH on a clear day with minimal traffic when without warning my vehicle locked up the brakes in an emergency stop. The tires left skid marks, seat belts tightened, and the screen in form to me flashed red warning signs. It happened so fast and without warning that when I realized we had come to a stop I look in the rear-view mirror and saw a truck headed towards my car, so I accelerated, and the car moved forward. Once off the freeway I drove the remaining 2 miles home along city streets at a low rate of speed and contacted Mercedes and Mercedes Benz of Gilbert. I was told that there was a defect int eh software pertaining to the EBS and that a software update would resolve it. I have the car back now but do not feel safe in it.

NHTSA ID

11524487

Incident

May 25, 2023

Driving about 40 MPH on a slight curve, with no imminent danger ahead, the car automatically applied the brakes full force. If there had been a vehicle behind me there probably would have been a collision.

NHTSA ID

11524347

Incident

Jan 27, 2023

The 2022 Mercedes EQS 450 has been an ongoing dangerous driving experience for me. I have been jolted and frightened over and over as the car's autonomous emergency system fully engages when driving as well as when it does not engage when I’m stopped at a light. I have expressed my safety concerns on numerous occasions to the management at the dealership. As I am writing this I see on your website, there is an unrepaired recall on this car with a remedy not yet available. In April, 2023, the car stalled and the messages below appeared on the dashboard: Attention Assist System Suspended Malfunction. Drive at max. 50 mph Stop Vehicle Level Too Low When the car was at the dealership, I was told, while it is a new model, they are trying to figure out the problem. I no longer want to be a guinea pig and endanger my life driving this car. In October, I backed into a low brick wall when the sensors did not alert me. At that time, I told the service department about the sudden braking and stalling. I had the damage repaired, costing $7000 and was told all was fine with the electrical panel. The dealership is now telling me after the car was there for 2 weeks, the car is fine. After being told this in October and with ongoing issues, I have no reason to expect it to be any different this time? I feel unsafe driving this car and do not want to jeopardize my life. Originally I was told Mercedes is aware of these issues and they would offer me a buy back and walk away. Now they are saying the car is fixed but Mercedes will offer me $5000 towards a trade-in and $70,000 for my car with less than 3000 miles. Offering me a substantially less amount of money than I paid for the car with on going safety issues is not acceptable.

NHTSA ID

11521912

Incident

Apr 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the failure recurred while there was no vehicle or objects nearby the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the failure recurred, and the contact was propelled towards the steering wheel. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown software update was completed; however, the contact requested about a buy back because he was concerned for his safety. The contact was unsure whether the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The dealer later informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the buyback request. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

NHTSA ID

11520291

Incident

Mar 26, 2023

Mileage

7,000 mi

the right rear tire went bald with 9500 miles on the car and no safety system notified me of low tire pressure. The left rear tire was almost as bald as well while the front tires were normal wear and fine. I believe the rear steering system is defective is the only explanation for symmetrical unusual wear. The dealer says it is normal for this car they siad the alignment was normal but the initial air in the tires could have been calibrated wrong but they do not take responsibility although the air pressure system did not notify me of low pressure @ 25lb by the way until i took it to the dealer in March. If i had not noticed the tire strands were showing in the rain at highway speeds this car would have hydroplaned. Here in Florida we have not had rain in months so the condition went unnoticed. On the internet there are many others with this complaint. There is no explanation for rear tires going bald we are not doing burnouts or donuts the car is all wheel drive anyway. We just are doing normal mostly highway driving and the rear tires went bad the only explanation is the rear steering system is defective.

NHTSA ID

11516510

Incident

Mar 15, 2023