2023 MERCEDES-BENZ Eqs 450 4MATIC

The center console display (MBUX) on this 2023 EQS 450 4MATIC fails while the vehicle is in use. There is no warning lamp, chime or message first. Sometimes it flickers on and off; other times it goes fully blank and stays blank, unresponsive to touch. Owner video shows the display working and then completely blank 0.4 seconds later. When the screen is blank the rearview backup camera is unavailable. Selecting reverse produces no image at all. The rear camera image appears only on that center screen, so the failure removes the rear visibility required by FMVSS 111 and leaves the driver reversing with no camera view in parking garages, driveways and residential streets. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has reproduced and confirmed the failure across five visits, from 7,916 miles in August 2025 to 20,789 miles in August 2026, with 28 days out of service. In May 2026 (RO 1410670) the dealer diagnosed fault B159211, a short circuit to ground on the data line between the head unit and the central display, removed the dashboard and replaced a harness. The technician reported that instead of removing the original short-circuited harness he cut off its connector ends, taped the exposed cables and left that harness inside the vehicle. The failure recurred ten weeks later and was recorded on video on 29 July 2026. On the most recent visit (RO 1418392, 26 August to 3 September 2026) the dealer wrote "tech confirmed customer concern," reviewed the video, and recorded fault B162997: the data line between the reversing camera and the head unit has a malfunction. The entire central display was replaced. The defect has survived a software reflash, a harness replacement and a display replacement. This vehicle was previously repurchased by the manufacturer under California lemon law for a defective rearview camera and was certified in writing as fully repaired before resale. The vehicle, the video and all repair orders are available for inspection on request.

On the date of purchase, while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle’s hood opened unexpectedly, obstructing my visibility and causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter a ditch. State Police responded, and the vehicle was towed immediately. This incident presents a serious safety defect. The is vehicle is certified by Mercedes Benz and purchased from Mercedes Benz Dealer.