If you’re looking at a used 2022 Mercedes EQS, you’re probably wondering whether the first model year of Mercedes’ electric flagship came with any strings attached. The short answer: it delivers remarkable comfort and technology, but the 2022 Mercedes EQS also has more software-related problems and recalls than most buyers expect in a six-figure luxury sedan.
A flagship EV in its first model year
Overview: 2022 EQS and real-world owner experience
On paper, the 2022 EQS is outstanding: up to about 340 miles of EPA range, fast DC charging, a serene cabin, and technology that rivals anything on the road. Owner reviews from major sites skew strongly positive, with most praising ride comfort, quietness, and effortless acceleration. A large majority of reviewers say they’d buy one again, and many report low day‑to‑day maintenance costs so far.
Where the 2022 Mercedes EQS raises eyebrows is in its recall count and software behavior. Early cars have been subject to multiple campaigns for everything from infotainment glitches to drivetrain software and warning‑system behavior, and some owners report occasional bugs with the massive Hyperscreen. When you understand these problem areas – and verify that fixes have been applied – the EQS can still be an excellent used EV.
2022 EQS: key reliability and ownership facts
Big picture: how reliable is the 2022 EQS?
Strengths
- Battery and motors: No widespread, confirmed pattern of pack failures or motor replacements so far.
- Build quality: Owners typically rate fit, finish, and cabin comfort very highly.
- Low routine upkeep: Brake wear is light thanks to regen, and there’s no engine or transmission to service.
Weak spots
- Software complexity: The EQS depends heavily on software for everything from drive to driver assist, and that’s where most problems show up.
- High recall count: Many campaigns relate to software, electrical connections, or warning systems.
- Out-of-warranty risk: Complex electronics and advanced air suspension can be expensive if something fails later in life.
Model-year 2022 perspective
Major 2022 EQS recalls you should know about
By early 2026, the 2022 Mercedes‑Benz EQS had accumulated a double‑digit number of NHTSA recalls. That sounds scary, but many of those campaigns involve software updates or relatively minor hardware fixes rather than core battery or structural defects. Still, you want every single one done before you sign paperwork on a used EQS.
Selected 2022 EQS recall themes
This table summarizes common types of recalls affecting the 2022 Mercedes EQS family. Exact applicability depends on trim and build date; always run the VIN to confirm.
| Area | Typical Issue | Potential Risk | Common Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment / MBUX | Rearview camera image may not display correctly or infotainment may enable video while driving | Reduced rear visibility or driver distraction | MBUX software update by dealer or over‑the‑air |
| Driver assistance / ESP | Stability control or assistance systems may not function as intended | Increased risk of a crash in emergency maneuvers | ESP / assistance control unit software update |
| High-voltage monitoring | Battery monitoring software may not reliably flag a malfunction | Regulatory non‑compliance; in extreme cases, higher risk if a fault goes unnoticed | Battery management system software update |
| Exterior lighting | Rear turn signals, hazards, or reverse lights could be disabled by software fault | Other drivers may not see your intentions, increasing crash risk | Lighting control module software update |
| Fastener / structure | Tow eye or certain electrical ground connections may be improperly secured | Tow point detachment or localized overheating/fire risk if a connection arcs | Inspection and replacement or re‑torque of affected components |
Most recalls are remedied with software updates or targeted repairs, but they matter for both safety and long‑term reliability.
Always run a VIN recall check
Common 2022 EQS problems by system
Beyond official recalls, real‑world owners have reported a cluster of recurring but usually fixable issues. Many are nuisances more than deal‑breakers, but they’re worth understanding before you buy.
Where 2022 EQS problems most often show up
Most complaints boil down to software behavior, not fundamental EV hardware failures.
Infotainment & Hyperscreen
Owners sometimes report lag, frozen screens, or random reboots of the MBUX Hyperscreen, especially early in ownership.
Many of these glitches improve with over‑the‑air updates, but you’ll want to test all screens and cameras during a pre‑purchase drive.
Charging & electronics
A minority of drivers mention intermittent DC fast‑charging issues, sporadic "charging interrupted" warnings, or picky behavior with certain public chargers.
These are often network‑ or software‑related, not a failed battery, but they can be frustrating if you road‑trip a lot.
Driver-assistance features
Because EQS leans heavily on camera and radar systems, some owners see temporary outages of lane‑keeping, adaptive cruise, or parking aids.
Usually a restart or software update resolves it, but persistent warnings should be investigated before purchase.
Battery and range issues on the 2022 EQS
Whenever you’re evaluating a used EV, the first concern is usually, “How’s the battery?” With the 2022 EQS, the encouraging news is that there is no publicly documented pattern of widespread battery pack failures in normal use so far. Most owners report range that remains in the same ballpark as new, assuming careful charging habits.
- Some owners report slightly lower real‑world range than EPA estimates, especially at sustained highway speeds or in cold climates, which is common for large EVs.
- Fast‑charging behavior can be sensitive to battery temperature and charger quality; you may see slower curves on a cold pack or at busy stations.
- Mercedes has issued software updates related to high‑voltage monitoring, but these have focused on detection and warning logic rather than physical cell replacement.
Battery warranty coverage
Where things get more nuanced is battery health and long‑term capacity. Even with a generous warranty, you don’t want to buy an EQS that’s already lost a big chunk of usable range. This is where a data‑driven battery check – not just a visual inspection – becomes crucial.
Software and Hyperscreen quirks
The MBUX Hyperscreen is a signature EQS feature: essentially three large displays spanning the dash, powered by a sophisticated software stack. That’s impressive, but it also means the 2022 EQS is more dependent on software stability than most cars on the road.
Software issues to watch for on a test drive
1. Slow boot or random reboots
When you start the car, the Hyperscreen should come to life quickly and stay responsive. Repeated freezes, dark displays, or random reboots could indicate an MBUX software or hardware issue.
2. Rear camera and 360° view
Shift into reverse several times and verify that the rear camera image appears instantly and clearly. Any intermittent blank screens or error messages deserve further diagnosis, as they’ve been part of recall campaigns.
3. Navigation & voice control
Route guidance and voice controls should respond promptly. If the system repeatedly says features are unavailable or loses guidance, ask about software updates and connectivity status.
4. Passenger display behavior
On Hyperscreen cars, the passenger display should dim or limit content while moving, depending on region. Odd behavior here may simply need a software refresh, but verify that all recall work has been completed.
5. Over-the-air update history
Ask the seller for any documentation on software update history. Vehicles that have consistently received updates tend to have fewer lingering bugs.
Plan on living with updates
Safety and driver-assistance concerns
From a crash‑protection standpoint, the 2022 EQS is designed as a flagship luxury sedan with robust structure and a long list of airbags and active‑safety tech. The main safety worries that have surfaced are software‑driven: situations where driver‑assistance, stability control, or warning systems don’t behave exactly as intended until they receive an update.
- Incorrect or missing pedestrian warning sounds at low speed on some vehicles until AVAS software updates are applied.
- Hands‑off detection on the steering wheel not always recognizing when the driver has let go, impacting the behavior of adaptive cruise and emergency stop assist.
- Occasional deactivation of assistance systems or odd warning messages that clear after a restart or software update.
Don’t ignore warning lights
What to check when buying a used 2022 EQS
Because the 2022 EQS is a complex EV, your pre‑purchase checklist should go beyond a normal gas‑car walkaround. Here’s how to zero in on issues that actually matter for long‑term ownership.
Five critical checkpoints for a used 2022 EQS
Focus here and you’ll catch most of the meaningful problems before you buy.
Battery health & charging
- Have the state of health (SoH) of the high‑voltage battery read with proper diagnostic tools.
- Test both Level 2 and DC fast charging if possible to confirm consistent behavior.
- Review charging logs if the seller has them – lots of repeated 100% DC fast charges can accelerate wear.
MBUX and Hyperscreen
- Test every panel: instrument cluster, central screen, passenger display.
- Confirm cameras (front, rear, 360°), parking sensors, and parking assist work reliably.
- Ask the dealer or seller to show that all software is current.
Driver-assistance & safety tech
- On a test drive, exercise adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, blind‑spot monitoring, and traffic‑sign assist where legal.
- Look for persistent warnings, chimes, or unavailable messages.
Suspension & steering
- Listen for air‑suspension hisses, clunks over bumps, or uneven ride height.
- Check four‑wheel steering operation at low speeds; the car should feel exceptionally maneuverable in tight spots.
Recalls, TSBs & service history
- Run the VIN through NHTSA and call a Mercedes dealer to confirm all recalls are completed.
- Review service records for software campaigns and any electrical or infotainment repairs.
On-board charger & cables
- Confirm the included charging cable works and isn’t damaged.
- Check the charge port door operation and that locking/unlocking behaves properly.
Paperwork and history checklist
1. Verify original in-service date
This tells you how much of the battery and basic warranty remains. A 2022 EQS first sold in late 2022 will generally have warranty coverage longer than an early‑deliveries car.
2. Confirm all recall campaigns
Ask for a printout from a Mercedes dealer showing completed recall work. If any are open, negotiate getting them done before delivery.
3. Look for repeat repair patterns
Multiple visits for the same issue – especially electronics or charging – can signal a car that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
4. Check for collision repairs
Because sensors and cameras are embedded in bumpers and glass, poor‑quality body repairs can cause lingering driver‑assist issues.
How Recharged evaluates a used EQS
A sophisticated EV like the 2022 EQS demands more than a quick visual once‑over. At Recharged, every EQS we list goes through a standardized intake and diagnostics process designed specifically for late‑model EVs.
Inside the Recharged Score for a 2022 EQS
Data, not guesswork, on battery health and overall condition.
Battery health diagnostics
Recall & software verification
Road test & feature audit
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2022 Mercedes EQS problems: FAQ
Frequently asked questions about 2022 Mercedes EQS problems
Is the 2022 EQS still worth buying?
If you’re drawn to the 2022 Mercedes EQS, you’re not wrong: it’s one of the most comfortable, refined electric sedans on the market, and early data suggests its core EV hardware is solid. The trade‑off is software complexity and a long list of recalls that require a bit more homework than a simpler EV or a conventional gas car.
For shoppers who value silence, luxury, and cutting‑edge tech – and who are willing to be methodical about software status, recalls, and battery health – a sorted 2022 EQS can be an excellent used buy. Partnering with an EV‑focused retailer like Recharged gives you the benefit of specialized diagnostics, transparent vehicle scoring, financing options, trade‑in support, and nationwide delivery, so you can enjoy the EQS experience without wondering what’s hiding under the Hyperscreen.
