2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+

The vehicle has experienced recurring intermittent failures of Active Brake Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. The systems may function normally and then unexpectedly become unavailable, with warning messages appearing in the vehicle. The primary driver was nearly involved in an accident during one occurrence when Active Brake Assist unexpectedly became unavailable. No collision occurred, but the loss of the braking-assistance function created a serious safety concern. The problem has been inspected by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers on multiple occasions. During an April 2026 dealer visit, the dealer documented both the Blind Spot and Active Brake Assist warnings, stored communication fault codes involving the front radar sensor/DISTRONIC, a bent front radar sensor bracket, and a loose front grille. The problem later recurred, and the vehicle was returned to a Mercedes-Benz dealer on August 27, 2026. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer now states that the front radar/module mounting bracket is cracked and attributes the condition to outside impact. The vehicle has never been in an accident and there is no visible damage to the front emblem or exterior front of the vehicle. When asked how the dealer determined that an impact caused the bracket damage, the owner was told that the DTC report supported that conclusion, but the dealer declined to provide a copy of the report. During the same discussion, a Mercedes-Benz service consultant stated that the bracket is very flimsy and can crack from something as minor as leaning on the vehicle. This raises concern that the mounting bracket for a safety-related radar system may be unusually susceptible to damage during ordinary use. The recurring failures affect systems related to collision warning, automatic braking assistance, and blind spot detection. The vehicle and affected components remain with the Mercedes-Benz dealer and should be available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11763096

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

While making a left turn at low speed, I applied the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond as expected and instead appeared to drift, surge, or accelerate forward. The vehicle struck a fire hydrant and a bus stop pole before crashing into a tree. Airbags deployed and both occupants sustained injuries. I suspect a possible malfunction involving braking, propulsion, electrical, or speed control systems. No final cause has been determined. The vehicle should still be available for inspection. Mercedes-Benz USA has opened a case regarding this incident.

NHTSA ID

11731921

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has suddenly lost power and completely stopped while driving on the freeway without warning. During these incidents, a red warning symbol appeared on the dashboard (a red turtle icon), indicating a critical malfunction. These failures created extremely dangerous situations, as the vehicle lost the ability to maintain normal driving speed in active freeway traffic. At the time of these incidents, my three children were in the vehicle, which significantly increased the risk of a serious accident. This issue has occurred multiple times, suggesting a serious and recurring defect. The sudden loss of power combined with dashboard warning signals presents a major safety hazard and could lead to severe injury or fatal accidents. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle and request that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11725988

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

The contact leases a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS450. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped with no other vehicle or object nearby. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was informed that it was a common failure and that other vehicle owners had sustained injuries due to the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 10-15 MPH and approaching a red traffic light, the failure recurred, almost causing the vehicle to be rear-ended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA ID

11716672

Incident

Feb 9, 2024

Mileage

8,000 mi

The vehicle throws a “charging fault” error when I try to charge my vehicle with a high speed charger. I tried two different chargers and two different locations with the same result. The safety risk is a faulty high voltage battery system. I have not taken it to the dealer yet. This just happened today. My understanding is that this is a fairly widespread issue and MB is denying all warranty claims and blaming the charging station. The only warning is the “charging fault” message on the dash display.

NHTSA ID

11707193

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

While traveling cross-country from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA, my Mercedes-Benz EQS experienced a battery and system malfunction in Erick, Oklahoma at approximately 11:17 PM. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed approximately 93 miles of remaining range. I stopped to charge the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to initiate charging and subsequently lost power. Following the shutdown, the vehicle doors would not unlock. The vehicle appeared to have no usable electrical power, and there were no visible or audible instructions provided regarding emergency exit procedures. I was unaware of any mechanical emergency door release and could not reasonably locate one during the shutdown. As a result, the vehicle effectively trapped its occupants. Both my phone and my passenger’s phone were fully discharged, leaving us unable to contact roadside assistance, emergency services, or any outside help. We remained confined inside the vehicle for several hours overnight. I eventually fell asleep and woke up around 4:00 AM extremely cold. The outside temperature was approximately 31°F, and the vehicle had no heating capability due to the system shutdown. Extended confinement in freezing temperatures without heat created a serious risk of hypothermia or medical emergency. This situation caused me to experience a panic attack, and I developed a severe cough afterward, which I believe was related to cold exposure. At approximately 4:00 AM, the vehicle briefly powered on for a few seconds, which allowed me to unlock and open the door and exit the vehicle. After exiting, I attempted to have the vehicle’s battery jumped, but this was unsuccessful. The vehicle remained completely inoperable. I then had to pay approximately $700 out of pocket for towing to a Mercedes-Benz dealership, despite the vehicle still being under warranty. In order to continue my trip to California, I was forced to rent a vehicle at my own expense (approximately $400), in addition to incurri

NHTSA ID

11705086

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

This afternoon, while I was driving on freeway at a normal speed (75 miles/hour) with an ample distance (30 feet) from the car in front of me , I suddenly felt a huge impact. It was so violent that I immediately thought my car was hit by the car behind me. I stopped the car on freeway and called 911. But from the back mirror, I did not see any damage on the car behind me. I got out to inspect my car but did not see any collision damage. According to my online search, this model - Mercedes-Benz EQS - has a frequently reported issue of "Phantom Braking" from the Forward Collision Avoidance System. It was very startling and dangerous experience for me. Now 5 hours later I still feel the pain in my neck and back from the impact. Please address this issue to save lives.

NHTSA ID

11702392

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Two weeks ago, I returned back from work and later on in the evening was driving to go to grocery store when the car seemed to get pulled to one side and started shaking when driving around 40MPH. Not knowing what was going on, I turned back and slowly drove it back home. Next morning, I thought may be there is low tire pressure ( even though it was in range), I slowly drove to get air filled. After that coming home the car started pulling on the left side and shaking around 40MPH speed. So I slowly drove it back home with flashers on and then towed it to the dealership not knowing what was going with it. Car has only 6700 miles on it. Dealership looked at it and said that the left rear strut was broken and right rear strut is damaged. No other damage to the car. They think I might have drove over 'some object'. I have the same drive to work for 10 years, I drive about 2 to 3 times a week to work. There is no major trenches or big bumps on the road. Majority of drive is freeway driving of about 25 miles plus. This is brand new luxury vehicle, and I would know if I drove over some thing so big to cause such a major damage. At no point I drove over any thing major - otherwise I would not have thought of 'tire problem' initially. I am really shocked that driving for 40 years, I have never encountered such an issue. My concern is that the car is so smooth driving that it had such a major damage without driving over any large potholes etc. Not sure if other Mercedes EQS has had similar issues. Dealership states that this is not covered under warranty. I just want to make sure that there is no significant manufacturers defect in these parts to cause such a mjaor damage to the struts without any other damage to the underside of the car. I am glad that I did not get into any major accident but dealing with such breakage of car part is beyond my understanding of how such a thing can happen without one realizing that it had happened. Thank you for your attention

NHTSA ID

11618816

Incident

Sep 25, 2024

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.

Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("‑ ‑"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. • Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: • Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. • This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reasons for this concern: 1. Country code information stored incorrectly at a particular geographic latitude range. 2. Incorrect reference data when the vehicle is started and a GPS signal is not immediately available. Remedy Update head unit software to latest version and the re‑check function in the same location. If vehicle is still exhibiting one of the symptoms as described exactly as in the complaint section or as shown in the video attachments, open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox with the following: • Video of the concern. • Exact location (latitude and longitude is best)

Complaint The following most common complaints may be observed: • Brief connectivity interruptions when using Apple CarPlay over Wi-Fi • Audio cuts out • Device not recognized • No operation possible Cause There are multiple possible causes for an iPhone disconnecting from a vehicle’s head unit while using Apple CarPlay. These include hardware, software, and environmental factors: Environmental Interference External Sources: • Passing under toll bridges, driving near airports, or areas with heavy electronic interference (e.g., as described in LI82.85-P-076157) can cause connection drops. Cellular Networks: • Interference from nearby cell towers operating on similar frequencies (usually 2.4GHz or 5GHz) can disrupt the signal. Storage Location: • Keeping your phone in a handbag or surrounded by other objects inside the vehicle can create physical or electronic interference. Device and Software Issues Head Unit Software/Hardware: • Outdated firmware, bugs, or hardware faults in the vehicle’s head unit can prevent a stable connection. iPhone Software/Hardware: • Similar issues in the iPhone, including buggy iOS updates or hardware problems, may affect performance. Reset or Reboot:• Automatic rebooting or resetting of either the head unit or the iPhone will temporarily disrupt CarPlay. Connection and Settings Wired Connections: • Faulty Cable: A damaged or poor-quality USB cable can cause intermittent or total loss of connection. • USB Port Issues: Dust, debris, or physical damage in the USB port of either the head unit or the iPhone can also lead to disconnects. Wireless Connections: • Intermittent Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Unstable wireless communication (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) can frequently break the Car- Play connection. Power Management: • Battery Saver Mode: Enabling low power mode may restrict background processes, affecting CarPlay. • Vehicle’s Electrical System: Unstable power delivery from the car’s battery or electrical interruptions can cause the head unit to malfunction. Phone & App Configuration Phone Settings: • Incorrect or conflicting settings (especially Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) on your iPhone can interfere with the CarPlay link. • Third-Party Apps/Profiles: • Installed apps or configuration profiles may conflict with CarPlay’s operation. • Native apps are apple maps, apple music, audio books, apple news, podcasts, messages and phone. All other apps are considered third party apps. App Conflicts: • Running conflicting apps that require similar system resources as CarPlay can cause instability. Mobile Data Plan: • Streaming from online sources without sufficient mobile data can result in lost connectivity. Other Factors Heat & Overheating: • If either the phone or the head unit overheats, they may disable certain functions to prevent damage, leading to disconnection. User Actions: • Accidentally disconnecting the device in settings, or physically moving or bumping the phone or cable, may disrupt the connection. Remedy FUP6 (E605.8) software has been released for the following chassis: 118, 177, 243,247,206,254,167,294,295,296,223, 297. Flash available software for the head unit and test for function. The LI will be updated once available for the remaining chassis. If the complaint remains after the SW update please continue with the steps below. Guided Diagnostic Path for Apple CarPlay Connection Issues: Please follow the steps below to systematically diagnose and resolve CarPlay concerns:Update Devices: • Ensure the iPhone is updated to the latest available iOS version. • Ensure the vehicle’s head unit is updated to the latest software version available. Isolate the Issue: • Check whether the symptom persists with another iPhone running the latest iOS version. • Test both wireless and wired CarPlay connections: • Does the issue only occur with wireless CarPlay? • Does the wired connection to the phone function correctly? Further Troubleshooting Steps: • Reboot the iPhone. See attachment for further instructions.

Complaint Customer Complaint: - AC charging is not possible. - The departure time, charging pause, location-based charging or target SOC limit is automatically set to 50% or to a random value in the Mercedes me application or in the charging settings on the head unit display. (Picture 1 & 3) - Incorrect notifications appear in the Mercedes me application for charging-related functions. (Picture 2) Related DTCs in quick test: No related fault codes (DTCs) are stored in the relevant control units. CPC3 - N127 (Drivetrain control unit) OBL223_GEN4 - N83/11 (Alternating current charger for high-voltage battery) DCB223 - N116/5 - Direct current charge connection unit (DCCU) Picture1 The target SOC limit is automatically set to 50% or any random values during charging. Picture 2 Incorrect notification Example “Unable to unlock charging cable. Picture 3 Incorrect settings of charge interruption or pause. (If applicable) Cause - The Customer shares their Mercedes me credentials (password) with a third-party application, for example, a wall box application. This causes the Mercedes Benz backend server to receive random requests to reset the maximum SOC, departure time, charging pause, etc. - Charging settings are set incorrectly, for example, incorrect departure time, charging program, charging interruption/ pause, etc. Remedy The remedies below may vary depending on the customer complaint. Refer to the remedy that best matches the customer complaint. Remedy 1: The target SOC limit is automatically set to 50% or to random values during charging. - Change the Mercedes me login password on the Mercedes me homepage. (My Account > Login and Security > Reset). (Refer to Annex 1). Previously granted authorizations should then be revoked so that the charging settings can no longer be changed by external applications. Advise customers not to share the new password again. - Are there any sub-users? If yes, revoke their rights and reassess the function. -If differences between the vehicle and the Mercedes me app are visible, a new synchronization is recommended. Turn off Digital Extras through the Mercedes me app or the MMCR portal, and then turn the services on again. Remedy 2: Incorrect notifications in the Mercedes me app for charging-related functions. - Restart synchronization between the app and backend. Turn off Digital Extras through the Mercedes me app or the MMCR portal, and then turn the services on again. (Refer to Annex 2) Remedy 3: Incorrect charge interruption or pause setting. - Perform a factory reset of the head unit (A26/17). (Home > Functions > System > Reset), or turn off/correct all charging settings. (Refer to Annex 3) Additional Information: (Good to know) The LED on the charging inlet or socket indicates whether charging is completed or paused. 1) If the target SOC is reached, the charging inlet LED lights up Blue/Green without flashing. 2) If charging is paused, the charging inlet LED lights up orange without flashing. Additionally, the head unit charging settings display a charging pause. Note: Do not replace any hardware components for these complaints. If the complaint cannot be solved, please contact via TIPS or CAC.

Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide.