2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 driver assistance 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 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 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 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.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA · 2 injuries

I was stopped at a stop sign and when the light turn green I pressed the accelerator to move forward unfortunately, the vehicle hard braked for no reason. At first, I thought someone hit me from behind since there was no one in front of me but that was not the case. The braking was so violent that it caused my neck to snap back and forth, which caused the back of my head to hit the seat head support. I was going no faster then 10 mph but not slower then 5mph. In turn, the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was at risk because I had no control or indicator that the braking was going to automatically brake on its own. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer or independent service center because the incident happened today (Sunday) therefore, I plan on making an appointment as soon as possible to see if they can identify any defects. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others since I plan on taking it to the Mercedes dealer where I purchased the vehicle. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure.

Filed Apr 7, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

The vehicle pre collision automatically stops the car completely five times with no car or any objects in the front. I took the car to Mercedes dealership to see if they can find the issues, but they can’t. On 04/07/2024 I had my wife record while I’m driving and we got video of the car just completely hard breaking on its own with no cars in the front. I am worry that another vehicle will rear end me at higher speed when it does happen again.

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Driver assistance · NC

I drove the EQS without issue for six months. Then, about a month ago while I was in reverse backing out of my garage, the car slammed on brakes and the seat belt forcefully engaged. It felt as if I hit a brick wall. There was nothing behind me--nothing in the driveway. Then last Sunday, October 29, 2023, I was at a stop light and began accelerating down an off ramp. Nothing was in front of me; however, the car slammed on brakes again--with the selt belt forcefully engaging, and I came dangerously close to getting rear ended. My husband turned off the automatic emergency breaking system, and we got an appointment with the Mercedes dealership. They had the car all day on Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 31 and Nov. 1), and basically, the dealership is saying they cannot make any repairs because they cannot replicate the issue.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

While driving the Brakes locked in the middle of the Freeway and Street it happen 3 Times already and the only thing that the Service department from Mercedes Benz saids is that they cant duplicate the malfunction a return the car It Dangerous because it just stops the brakes lock and the car stops completly in the middle of the road

Filed Jun 23, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

On 05Jun23, EQS 450+ suddenly reduced the speed to 30mph on the SRT highway while I was driving with cruise control set to 70mph. This creates sudden deceleration in the car and slow down as well as on the left lane traffic where there was a following car behind me with high speed. This happens multiple times when I was driving on the different highways in Texas as well as in FM roads. Car’s Behavior while Cruise control is SET to 70+mph and Intelligent Recuperation is ON. Highway Speed Sign is 70mph. 🔴 Sudden, unexpected deceleration 🔴 Wrong speed sign pops up on the dashboard 🔴 Confusing warning sound 🔴 Speed sign Indicator acts like inconsistent or confused by changing from 30mph to 45mph or vice versa.