Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 350 4MATIC X294

A recall (NHTSA 24V-372) covers 2023-2025 EQE SUVs where continuous diagnostic requests from other control units overload the battery management system's memory capacity, causing it to reset without warning. This can result in total loss of propulsion while driving. The fix is a free software update at any Mercedes dealer. While the recall covers the repair cost, unpatched cars still on the road represent a safety risk. Verify with VIN whether the update has been applied. Vehicles produced between February 2023 and May 2024 are affected.

Multiple owners report the 12V battery draining within days of parking, triggered by software bugs that keep telematics modules awake. Symptoms include a dead car that won't shift from Park, warning messages about critical 12V charge, and excessive phantom drain from the main HV battery (8-12% per day instead of the normal 1-2%). Mercedes has addressed many cases via software updates to the charging logic, but some owners have needed physical 12V battery replacements. Replacement cost is around €200-350 for the battery plus dealer diagnostic time. Keep the car plugged in when parked for extended periods.

The MBUX system on EVA2 platform cars is known for screen freezes, random reboots (screen goes black momentarily), failed OTA updates that leave the car in a partially updated state, and CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects. Some owners report updates getting stuck in a deferred state for weeks. A soft reset (holding the volume button) resolves most temporary freezes. Failed OTA updates typically require a dealer visit for a manual flash, which takes 2-3 hours. While annoying, these issues are cosmetic and do not affect driving safety. Software stability has improved with successive updates through 2024-2025.

Cars equipped with the optional AIRMATIC suspension can develop air spring leaks, typically manifesting as one corner sitting lower after parking overnight. The rubber air bladder deteriorates over time due to road salt, debris, and age. Replacement requires specialized diagnostic equipment to safely depressurize and calibrate. Cost per strut is approximately €1,200-1,800 at a Mercedes dealer including labor. Struts should ideally be replaced in pairs (front or rear). Not all EQE SUVs have AIRMATIC; base models use conventional steel spring suspension. Check the spec sheet before buying.

A small number of EQE owners have experienced complete onboard charger failure, where the car stops accepting AC charge from any Level 1 or Level 2 source but continues to work at DC fast chargers. The most definitive symptom is the car starting to charge briefly then stopping with an error message. Many cases are actually software handshake failures resolved by an update, but genuine hardware failure requires replacement of the onboard charger unit. This is a high-voltage component that requires specialized tools and Mercedes XENTRY diagnostic software. Not DIY-repairable. Most cases within the first 2-3 years are covered under the vehicle warranty.

Some EQE SUV owners report the HVAC system intermittently failing to produce heat or cold air, with warning messages about vapor refrigerant. The heat pump system, which is essential for cabin heating without excessive range loss, can develop refrigerant leaks or control module issues. In mild cases, a software update restores function. In severe cases, contamination in coolant lines has required replacement of the entire HVAC assembly (compressor, condenser, lines), costing upward of €2,000-2,500. This appears to affect a minority of vehicles but is expensive when it occurs.

Owners report intermittent loss of multiple driver-assistance features simultaneously, with dashboard messages indicating system unavailability. Camera-based functions (lane-keeping, adaptive cruise) may be completely unavailable at random starts but work normally after the car has been parked for hours. In some cases this stems from a software bug in the camera processing module; in others, windshield camera bracket misalignment or connector issues are the root cause. Fuse/relay box replacement has resolved some persistent cases (one recall covers certain fuse box defects). Calibration after windshield replacement costs €300-500 at a dealer. Most intermittent cases resolve with software updates.