The 2022 Mercedes EQS is a stunning electric flagship: quiet, fast, and wrapped in every tech toy Mercedes could throw at it. But that first model year also racked up a long list of recalls and owner complaints. If you’re shopping used, you’re smart to look up 2022 Mercedes EQS problems and fixes before you fall in love with the Hyperscreen.
What this guide covers
2022 Mercedes EQS reliability at a glance
How the 2022 EQS is holding up
In the real world, the 2022 EQS splits into two camps. Some owners report tens of thousands of blissfully quiet miles. Others have lived through repeat dealer visits for MBUX blackouts, random driver‑assist warnings, and recall campaigns. Mechanically, the motors and battery pack have been relatively solid so far; most headaches live in the software and electrical system that wrap around them.
First‑year model reality
Should you avoid a 2022 EQS?
Why a 2022 EQS is tempting
- Huge depreciation: Luxury EVs drop fast, so a 2022 EQS can be priced like a new midsize crossover.
- Battery warranty runway: You still have years of high‑voltage battery coverage left on most cars.
- Comfort and refinement: Air suspension, near‑silent cabin, and that Hyperscreen make it a superb cruiser.
Why some shoppers walk away
- Recall fatigue: A long list of 2022 campaigns can mean multiple trips to get everything updated.
- Software gremlins: MBUX glitches, phantom warnings, and audio bugs frustrate some owners.
- Out‑of‑warranty risk: Once the 4‑year/50,000‑mile coverage ends, complex tech can be very expensive to fix.
How to shop a 2022 EQS safely
Electrical and MBUX glitches
If there’s a defining 2022 EQS complaint, it’s that the car can feel like a rolling smartphone: brilliant when it’s working, infuriating when it isn’t. Owners report central screens that stay black, audio that cuts out, navigation freezing, and a blizzard of one‑off error messages that disappear after a restart.
Common 2022 EQS electrical & MBUX problems
Most are fixable, if you know where to look
Black or frozen Hyperscreen
The big MBUX screen may boot to a black display or freeze mid‑drive. Sometimes only parts of the screen respond.
Often traced to outdated software or a known MBUX defect addressed by recall/TSB.
Random audio dropouts
Sound suddenly disappears, certain speakers crackle, or volume controls stop working.
In many 2022–2024 EQS/EQE cars this is a software bug in the audio controller, not a blown speaker.
Sporadic error messages
Warnings for SOS, lighting, or assist systems that vanish after a restart.
Annoying, but they can hint at modules that need updated software or reseated connections.
Likely fix: software update, not new hardware
Quick steps to tame MBUX and electrical quirks
1. Hard‑reset the system
If the screen freezes, hold the volume/power button on the center console for 10–15 seconds until the system reboots. That alone clears many one‑off glitches.
2. Power‑cycle the car fully
Shut the EQS down, exit, lock it, and give it a few minutes. Let the car go to sleep before restarting. Many owners report warnings disappearing after a full sleep cycle.
3. Check for over‑the‑air updates
From the settings menu, confirm that your MBUX version is current. If an update is pending but won’t install, you may need a dealer to push it or perform a forced update.
4. Ask the dealer to check TSBs
When you’re in for service, specifically ask them to check for MBUX/audio/electrical technical service bulletins on your VIN, not just safety recalls.
5. Document recurring faults
Take photos or short videos of black screens, SOS warnings, or audio failures. If the issue becomes a pattern, that evidence is invaluable for warranty claims, or lemon‑law discussions.
When a glitch is more than a glitch
Driver-assistance (ADAS) faults
The 2022 EQS leans heavily on cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to deliver adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. When everything is clean and calibrated, it works beautifully. When software or sensors misbehave, owners report surprise collision warnings, lane‑keeping that tugs the wheel unexpectedly, or a sudden “driver assistance unavailable” message mid‑drive.
- False forward‑collision alerts that flash and beep when nothing is actually in your way
- Lane‑keep assist pulling the car toward or away from lines unexpectedly
- Driver‑assist features disabling themselves until you stop and restart the EQS
- Persistent ADAS warning lights after minor bumps or windshield replacements
Safety first with ADAS problems
Many 2022 EQS driver‑assist complaints trace back to two root causes: sensor issues (misaligned radar, dirty or damaged cameras) and software logic that Mercedes has been refining via updates and recalls. In severe, recurring cases, some owners have pursued lemon‑law buybacks after months of unstable ADAS behavior.
What to do if your 2022 EQS driver‑assist goes haywire
1. Clean cameras and sensors
It sounds basic, but dirt, snow, or road film on the front radar, bumper sensors, and windshield cameras can trigger warnings and false alerts.
2. Note time, conditions, and speed
Write down when it happens, how fast you were going, weather, and exactly what features were on. Consistent patterns help technicians replicate the fault.
3. Request a full ADAS calibration
After windshield work or minor collisions, the EQS may need camera/radar recalibration. Ask specifically for this, not just a code clear.
4. Ask about ADAS‑related campaigns
Mercedes has updated software logic for driver‑assist on multiple EQ models. Make sure your VIN has every applicable update installed.
5. Escalate if safety is compromised
If the issue persists after multiple repair attempts, explore state lemon‑law options or extended warranty coverage before your factory warranty expires.
Brakes, suspension, and tire wear
On the hardware side, the 2022 EQS is a heavy, powerful EV riding on big wheels and complex air suspension. That’s a recipe for comfort, and for above‑average wear on certain parts. Owner complaints and early data show a cluster of issues around service brakes and, to a lesser degree, suspension components and tires.
How the 2022 EQS wears over time
What owners and shops see most often
Brake‑system warnings
Messages about reduced braking performance, or ABS/ESC lights that appear intermittently. A few 2022 EQS recalls address brake‑system safety logic and components.
Rotor & pad wear
Heavy EVs can glaze rotors if you rely too much on regeneration, then suddenly need friction brakes. Expect pad and rotor work earlier than on a light gas sedan if you do lots of high‑speed driving.
Suspension & tire issues
Clunks over bumps, uneven tire wear, or vibration at speed can point to worn bushings, alignment issues, or air‑suspension components needing attention.
Use regen, but exercise the brakes
Brakes & suspension: what’s normal vs. a red flag
Use this as a quick gut‑check when test‑driving a 2022 EQS.
| Symptom | Probably Normal | Worth Investigating | Serious Red Flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild brake squeal at low speed | Yes, especially in cold or damp weather | If it persists after a few firm stops | If paired with warning lights or pulling |
| Noticeable thump over sharp bumps | Some thump is normal on 21" wheels | If it’s new, or from one corner only | If the car feels unstable or bouncy |
| Tire wear slightly faster than expected | Heavy EVs eat tires | If wear is uneven across the tread | If cords are visible or tires are cupped |
| ABS/ESC/brake warning icons | No | If they clear on restart but return | If they’re constant, do not ignore |
Normal wear is fine. Repeated warning lights or harsh noises are not.
Battery and charging concerns
Despite the noise about electronics, the 2022 EQS’s high‑voltage battery pack has not produced widespread catastrophic failures so far. Most owner battery complaints are about range loss versus EPA numbers, occasional high‑voltage warning messages that clear after a restart, or isolated charging hiccups after over‑the‑air updates.
Battery warranty snapshot
- Real‑world highway range more like 300–350 miles instead of the optimistic original estimates, depending on wheel size and driving style
- Occasional “high voltage battery malfunction” warnings that clear after cycling the car off and on
- Charge‑rate drops at DC fast chargers after repeated fast‑charge sessions on road trips
- Charging errors or warnings right after an over‑the‑air software update
How to check 2022 EQS battery health on a used car
1. Review DC fast‑charging history
Frequent high‑power DC fast‑charging isn’t a death sentence, but a car used as a long‑haul road‑tripper may show more degradation than a commuter.
2. Compare displayed range to original spec
At 100% charge, compare the car’s estimated range to what a new EQS was rated for. A modest drop is normal; a drastic drop deserves questions.
3. Scan for battery‑related codes
Have a shop with EV experience scan the EQS for stored high‑voltage fault codes, even if no warning lights are on during the test drive.
4. Ask for any HV battery work invoices
Minor warranty repairs on sensors and contactors aren’t necessarily a red flag, but repeated high‑voltage interventions are.
Take HV warnings seriously
Key 2022 EQS recalls to know
By early 2026, the 2022 EQS had accumulated a double‑digit list of NHTSA recalls covering everything from headlamp wiring to brake‑system behavior and MBUX display failures. The good news: recalls are fixed free at a Mercedes dealer. The bad news: a car that’s missed a few campaigns can still be driving around with issues the factory already knows how to fix.
Examples of important 2022 EQS recalls
Always run a VIN check before you buy
Lighting and visibility
Headlamp wiring faults and software bugs that can leave one side dark, or configure lighting incorrectly. Visibility and compliance issue, especially at night.
MBUX display failures
Recalls and service campaigns to address central screens that remain black after startup or lose key functions until restart.
Brake & safety logic
Software on certain control units updated to ensure that braking, ESC, and warning systems behave correctly in fault scenarios.
How to check recall status
DIY fixes vs. dealer trips
Problems you can often handle yourself
- Minor MBUX glitches: Try a soft or hard reset, clear phone pairings, or update your phone’s OS and apps.
- Random SOS or assist messages that vanish on restart and don’t return: document them, but don’t panic after a single event.
- Wiper streaking, minor rattles, trim squeaks: Treated like any other luxury car, with standard DIY fixes or an independent shop.
Problems that belong at a Mercedes dealer
- Persistent ADAS warnings or unintended steering inputs: Safety systems are deeply integrated; they need factory‑level diagnostics.
- MBUX that repeatedly fails to boot or loses cameras/controls: Often tied to recalls or complex software updates.
- Brake, ESC, or high‑voltage battery warnings: These are safety‑critical and can’t be accurately diagnosed in a driveway.
Use warranty while you have it
Pre-purchase checklist for a used 2022 EQS
Shopping a used 2022 EQS isn’t about perfection; it’s about patterns. One repaired glitch is normal for a first‑year tech‑heavy EV. A pattern of electrical problems, ADAS instability, and repeat tows is your cue to walk away and find a better example.
10 things to check before you buy a 2022 EQS
1. Run the VIN for recalls
Confirm every NHTSA and Mercedes safety recall is marked as completed. If several are open, budget time to get them done immediately.
2. Read the service history line by line
Look for repeated visits with vague notes like “could not reproduce” on the same complaint. That’s a sign the underlying issue may still be lurking.
3. Test every inch of the Hyperscreen
On the test drive, spend time with navigation, audio, climate, camera views, and settings. Watch for slow responses, black screens, or reboots.
4. Exercise all driver‑assist features
Safely test adaptive cruise, lane‑keep assist, blind‑spot, and parking aids. You want them to work smoothly and consistently, without surprise steering tugs.
5. Listen and feel over rough roads
Find a patch of imperfect pavement and listen for clunks, rattles, or suspension noises. Note any vibration at highway speeds.
6. Inspect tires and alignment
Uneven wear on inner or outer edges can signal alignment or suspension issues on this heavy EV.
7. Check charging behavior
Plug into both Level 2 and, if possible, a DC fast charger. Confirm the EQS accepts a stable charge and that no new warning messages appear.
8. Verify battery warranty status
Use the in‑car menu and service records to confirm in‑service date and remaining high‑voltage coverage.
9. Scan for stored fault codes
Have an EV‑savvy shop or seller’s dealer scan for trouble codes, even if the dash is clear. You’re looking for repeated electrical or HV codes.
10. Consider a professional EV inspection
Given the complexity, a pre‑purchase inspection by a technician who understands EQ‑series Mercedes EVs is money well spent.
How Recharged evaluates a used EQS
Because the 2022 EQS lives and dies by its software and battery health, a quick lot walk isn’t nearly enough. At Recharged, every EQS we list goes through an EV‑focused inspection and a Recharged Score Report designed specifically for used electric vehicles.
What the Recharged Score looks at on an EQS
Beyond a basic multi‑point used‑car checklist
Verified battery health
We use specialized diagnostics to estimate usable capacity and check for high‑voltage fault codes, then roll that into the vehicle’s Recharged Score.
Software & feature check
Technicians confirm MBUX, driver‑assist, cameras, and charging functions work as designed and that major recalls and software campaigns are completed.
Transparent history & pricing
We review service records, recall status, and market data so pricing reflects both the EQS’s strengths and any past problem areas.
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FAQ: 2022 Mercedes EQS problems and ownership
Frequently asked questions about 2022 EQS problems
Bottom line: Is a 2022 EQS worth it used?
The 2022 Mercedes EQS is one of those cars that can make you sigh with satisfaction or with frustration, depending entirely on which example you bring home. Underneath the software drama is a beautifully engineered electric flagship with a refined ride, strong efficiency, and a battery pack that, so far, is holding up reasonably well.
If you want the EQS experience at a used‑car price, focus on history, inspection, and software status. Chase down recalls, ask hard questions about recurring electrical or ADAS issues, and get battery and control‑unit diagnostics before you sign. Do that, and a 2022 EQS can be a deeply satisfying long‑distance EV instead of a frequent‑flyer at the service bay.
And if you’d rather skip the detective work, starting your search with cars already vetted by an EV‑focused retailer like Recharged, complete with Recharged Score battery‑health reporting, fair‑market pricing, and expert‑guided buying support, can turn a complicated flagship EV into a straightforward, confident purchase.
