2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2023 model year · 2,260+ owner reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,260+ owner reports, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Significant Range Degradation in Cold Weather with 1,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 3 Known Issues
On the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Electric, the EQS experiences parasitic 12V battery drain when parked for extended periods, preventing the car from waking up or responding to the key fob. Despite having a massive high-voltage battery, the 12V system powers critical wake-up circuits and can discharge in as little as 7-10 days of inactivity.
Common Symptoms
- Car does not respond to key fob after sitting
- Unable to unlock via MBUX app
- Dashboard does not power on
- 12V battery warning before car went to sleep
How to Fix
Install the latest OTA software update which improves 12V battery management. If the car will be parked for extended periods, use a 12V trickle charger connected to the auxiliary battery. Mercedes dealers can test for excessive parasitic draw from modules failing to enter sleep mode.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 750+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipIf you park the EQS for more than a week, connect a CTEK 12V trickle charger. The 12V battery is in the trunk — access it via the right-side trunk panel.
On the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Electric, eQS owners report range drops of 30-40% in temperatures below 32°F, significantly exceeding the typical 15-20% cold-weather penalty seen in other EVs. The large battery and HVAC system draw heavily on available energy, and the heat pump system underperforms in extreme cold.
Common Symptoms
- Range estimate drops 30-40% in cold weather
- Battery preconditioning takes longer than expected
- Reduced charging speed in cold conditions
- HVAC system consumes excessive energy
How to Fix
Precondition the battery and cabin while connected to a charger before departing. Use seat heaters instead of cabin heat to conserve range. A software update from Mercedes improves heat pump efficiency in cold weather — ensure the latest OTA update is installed.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,200+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipAlways precondition while plugged in. Set departure time in MBUX so the car warms the battery and cabin on grid power. This alone recovers 10-15% of winter range.
On the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS Electric, the optional rear-axle steering system on the EQS can lose calibration, triggering a steering fault warning and defaulting to a reduced turning circle. The issue is typically caused by a software glitch in the rear steering control module rather than a mechanical failure.
Common Symptoms
- Steering fault warning on instrument cluster
- Reduced turning circle suddenly
- Clunking from rear axle during low-speed turns
- MBUX displays rear steering system error
How to Fix
Visit a Mercedes dealer for rear-axle steering recalibration using XENTRY. A software update for the rear steering ECU addresses the calibration drift. If the issue recurs after the update, the rear steering actuator motor may need replacement.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 310+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipMost rear steering faults are software-related. A dealer recalibration fixes it in 90% of cases. If it keeps coming back, push for actuator replacement under warranty.