2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 problems

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

I own a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+. While driving, my vehicle has repeatedly applied the brakes suddenly and forcefully even though there was no vehicle, person, or obstacle in front of me. It feels as though the vehicle incorrectly detects an imminent collision and activates the automatic emergency braking system when there is nothing to hit. This has happened multiple times and is especially dangerous at freeway speeds because the sudden braking creates a risk of being rear-ended and puts the safety of me and my passengers at risk. The vehicle has also displayed intermittent dashboard warnings indicating that Active Brake Assist is not working. During the most recent incident, my mother-in-law was a passenger. The sudden braking jolted her forcefully enough that she experienced body pain afterward. This incident increased my concern that the malfunction could cause physical injury to occupants or result in a collision. I have taken the vehicle to a dealership for an initial inspection, but I remain concerned because the problem has occurred repeatedly and may happen again. I am requesting that this reported safety defect be investigated, including the possibility of unintended activation of the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems. The exact cause has not yet been confirmed.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · MD · crash · 2 injuries

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.

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

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.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Driver assistance · 8,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Electrical · OK

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.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Electrical · CA

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

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Driver assistance · CA · 1 injury

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.

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Suspension · AZ

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

Filed Sep 26, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

2023 Mercedes EQS 450 Normal Recuperation driving around 40 mph suddenly the brakes were applied and seat belts engaged with no apparent reason or obstacle. It was for a second and released so no damage except the scare and jolt of the brake. The internet is full of discussions about this Phantom Braking with electric and non-electric vehicles of all brands. This is the first incident in the 3 months that we have owned this sedan and we will be taking it to the Mercedes dealership soon. This car is always giving warning lights and sounds with so many safety features.