What 66 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Mercedes-benz Eqs SUV 580 4matic

My Mercedes EQS SUV has experienced repeated safety-related defects. The brakes have intermittently locked up while driving, creating a serious safety concern. The vehicle also vibrates at highway speeds on the freeway. These issues have occurred on two separate occasions. Despite multiple service visits, the dealership has been unable to diagnose or repair the problems. During the first incident, they reset the software. During the most recent incident, multiple software error warnings appeared simultaneously, indicating system malfunctions (see images for documentation). The vehicle has now been at the Mercedes service center for over two weeks, with required parts on backorder from Mercedes and no estimated repair timeline provided.

NHTSA ODI 11708709

I am submitting this complaint to raise a serious safety concern regarding the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV. This vehicle is sold and delivered without a spare tire and without run-flat tires. This design choice is dangerous and creates a foreseeable risk of severe harm to motorists. Recently, my wife and I — both senior citizens — suffered a tire failure in a remote area with no cellular service. Because the EQS 580 SUV was equipped with neither a spare nor run-flat tires, we were completely stranded. We were forced to walk miles to find a cell signal to call for help. This was a frightening and potentially life-threatening situation. It is entirely foreseeable that tire failure may occur in remote areas or where cell service is unavailable. A modern vehicle sold in the United States should not leave occupants with no means of mobility or self-rescue in such a situation. This issue poses a heightened danger particularly to: Senior citizens Families with small children Physically disabled individuals Anyone traveling in rural or emergency-prone environments A flat tire in these circumstances can result in individuals being stranded, exposed to the elements, injured, or worse. Someone could easily die in such a situation. In addition, Mercedes-Benz did not disclose at the point of sale that the vehicle lacks both a spare and run-flat tires. Had we been informed, we would not have purchased this vehicle. The manufacturer and dealer have a duty to warn consumers of a safety-critical limitation that eliminates an essential emergency capability. To my knowledge, it is unheard of — for a modern SUV, especially a premium vehicle marketed for safety and long-distance comfort, to be delivered without any means of addressing a tire failure. This is a serious consumer safety issue, and I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate. A requirement for either a spare tire, run-flats, or clear disclosure at the point of sale is essential to protect the driving public.

NHTSA ODI 11698426