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Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 phantom braking problems

12 of the 69 owner complaints about the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 describe brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking), most of them for the 2023 model year.

owner complaints
12
worst model year
2023
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

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Often reported together

What owners say

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

we list the car on 2024 in the same year, EQS450+ 2024 model from S.M Dealer. In a few months after drove the car , I notice about the break having the problem, I took the car to S.M repair center,. Then again, a few months after the same problem, then Mr. Antonio Aranda, the service advisor, has indicated that the car break has been ok and there is no issue. We took the care gain, we had the same problem, and we have told by the same person that there are 2 recalls for this car, I asked why they didn't tell me about the recall, and got no respond. For the 3rd time I took the car to them with the new problem as a very loud explosion sound and a big spark when I was driving on the freeway, witch it call pyrofuse activatin high voltage pyrotechnic disconnect. It basically computer battery electrical failure. When we told Mr. Antonio about he went under the car and took a picture and then showed us a whole and told us because we drove over a bump on the road without testing the car ( study show the whole created by the explosion ), I told him about 6 time that there is no bump in the road we take, and 1 time after we find out on that report. again, I made appointment to Beverly Hills MB last week because the car suddenly pulled to the right lain and almost hitting the car on the right lain While when I was waiting for my appointment then this Catastrophic situation happened to me, I was exiting from [XXX] that going home, after a few minutes my car has Jolted toward the front with the strongest way and locked up the car and stopped, which is Phantom Braking Emergency break malfunction, also called Catastrophic Uncommented Deceleration. i have to mention the car has been drove for 14000 miles since 2024 duo to the dangerous matters I was 4 mints away from my grave only because of the MB dishonesty and lie. This case is clearly [XXX] case, and I need immediate respond and you must send a copy to the corporation, I am not able to risk INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

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 Jun 23, 2025 · Driver assistance · IL

The EQS450's delivery was taken from the sonic walnut creek CA dealer on [XXX], the vehicle has ACC and brake assists malfunctioning issues. Phantom braking issues. On [XXX], I was traveling on Interstate at 70-75 mph with no nearby vehicles when the car suddenly braked as if there was a pending collision. It was very scary, it was so violent I thought I had hit something in the road, but it was a clear, dry, sunny day with no road hazards, obstacles or anything else that would have caused it. My wife’s head whipped back and forth, resulting in an enduring headache for her through the rest of the evening. MB Naperville serviced vehicles twice in the past three months , updated software often and again in the next three days, we experienced a sudden and hard stop while driving around 65 mph up a hill. It was a violent and sudden jolting stop. We feel hazardous and untrustworthy to drive the EQS450. MBUSA Case #[XXX] (6/18th) ,CASE [XXX] (6/19th - Opened by Mercedes Benz Naperville IL dealer). Appreciate your help, and options available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Jan 23, 2024 · Brakes · MD

On two separate occasions, while driving my 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 SUV, my vehicle abruptly came to a stop on the highway. The sudden and intense phantom braking caused me to experience whiplash on both occasions, even though there was no imminent collision threat. What was particularly concerning is that my car usually alerts me to any potential dangers and prompts me accordingly, but in these instances, it came to a halt unexpectedly. I reported the issue to the Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis Service Center, only to be told by my service advisor that this was a normal and preventive measure to avoid collisions. To my surprise, he even compared it to his experiences with a non-Mercedes vehicle. Strangely, this wasn't the first time I encountered such an incident; the initial occurrence was in a loaner vehicle provided to me due to other functionality issues with my car. To date, both the Mercedes service centers in Annapolis and Arlington have not taken my concerns seriously, which is deeply troubling. It's alarming that there are others like me facing similar problems, and there seems to be a lack of information on where and how to report these incidents for a resolution. The question remains: must someone be seriously injured or killed before Mercedes takes accountability for these potentially dangerous episodes? My vehicle is presently at the Mercedes-Benz service center in Annapolis, addressing various hazardous functionality issues, including phantom braking, pulsating brakes, and a range of other concerns. Once I receive the service records, I am happy to provide them for review. 1st incident:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 22, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA · crash · 1 injury

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

Filed May 8, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

Around 5:48 pm Pacific time today, May 8, 2023, traveling westbound on Sunset Blvd (near the Drummond street intersection), the brakes suddenly engaged hard for a few seconds and then released and continued. Speed was around 35 mph and there were no obstructions around. This is the second incident of phantom braking that has occurred in 2 months. Luckily there was no car behind that could have collided into us from the sudden phantom braking.

Filed May 3, 2023 · Driver assistance · 7,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

I experienced a phantom braking incident yesterday in my 2023 EQS450+ SUV at 3:11 pm PST. Traveling at around 30 mph, no cars within 20 feet ahead or behind us, the car suddenly engaged the automatic brakes very hard with a loud beep but this condition lasted only a couple of seconds. The impact was hard enough to jolt all passengers in the car. The sound was as if something hit us from behind. Cruise control was not being used at that time. The car then continued to operate normally after that. I have set up a service appointment for this Friday, April 14 at the WI Simonson dealership in Los Angeles, CA. I have reported this to MErcedes Benz using their "contact me" feature on their website. From my research, it sounds like phantom braking is prevalent somewhat widely in the EQS cars but nothing seems to have been done about it so far.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 phantom braking

Which Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 years have brakes engage by themselves (phantom braking) problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2023 (8 complaints), 2022 (2 complaints) and 2024 (2 complaints).

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