If you’re eyeing a 2022 Mercedes EQS on the used market in 2026, you’re probably asking two big questions: “Is it reliable?” and “Is this a smart long‑term bet compared with a Tesla or Audi?” The first‑year EQS has built a reputation as a brilliantly comfortable luxury EV with generally solid mechanical reliability, but also a fair amount of software quirkiness and very high repair costs if something does go wrong out of warranty.
Quick take
Overview: How Reliable is the 2022 Mercedes EQS?
2022 EQS at a Glance
Independent data paints the 2022 EQS as better than average for a first‑year luxury EV. J.D. Power rates the 2022 Mercedes EQS sedan at 79/100 for quality and reliability and 81/100 overall, which puts it ahead of several rival electric flagships in perceived dependability. At the same time, early production status and heavy use of new software mean owners see a mix of experiences, from “flawless for years” to “back at the dealer constantly chasing warning lights.”
Mechanically, the car is proving robust: there’s no widespread pattern of drive‑unit failures, high‑voltage battery defects, or chronic suspension breakage. Virtually all of the pain points show up in the electronics, driver‑assistance systems, and convenience features. If you understand that going in and protect yourself with warranty coverage and a thorough pre‑purchase inspection, the 2022 EQS can be a very satisfying, relatively low‑stress used EV.
Big Picture: Strengths and Weak Points
Where the 2022 EQS Shines, and Where It Doesn’t
Use this snapshot to decide if its reliability profile matches your tolerance for risk.
Reliability strengths
- Battery & motors: No major pattern of pack failures; range holds up well when charged sensibly.
- Ride & structure: Quiet, solid, and free of major squeaks/rattles in most owner reports.
- Core drivability: Very few stories of being stranded; most issues are annoying, not immobilizing.
- Dealer support (while under warranty): Most glitches resolved with software or module replacement.
Reliability weak spots
- Software gremlins: Random warnings, sensor errors, CarPlay glitches, seat/mirror memory hiccups.
- First‑year risk: 2022 is the debut model year, and some cars show more bugs than later EQS builds.
- Feature failures: Sunroof noises, rear wiper washer issues, door handles, interior lights for some owners.
- High repair costs: Out‑of‑warranty electronic repairs and glass, wheels, and tires are expensive.
First‑year model caveat
Real‑World Owner Reports: What 2022 EQS Drivers Are Seeing
Owner communities and consumer‑review sites give a more nuanced picture than a single score. Many 2022 EQS 450+ and 580 owners report years of trouble‑free driving with nothing more than software recalls. Others, especially a smaller but vocal group, describe a merry‑go‑round of warning lights, safety‑system errors, and infotainment bugs that send the car back to the dealer repeatedly.
- Some 2022 EQS 450+ owners report three years and ~40,000+ miles with only minor “infant mortality” software issues and standard maintenance.
- CPO buyers of 2022 EQS sedans have shared experiences ranging from “rock solid” to cars that spend months in the shop for sensor and driver‑assist faults.
- Compared with Tesla, several EQS owners say their Mercedes feels better built and more solid, even when software is fussy.
- A few high‑profile cases involve buyback requests where electronic gremlins couldn’t be fully resolved, mostly on heavily optioned cars with many driver‑assist features.
“I bought a 2022 EQS 580 new in July 2022… I love the car. I have had a few infant mortality software issues that have all been fixed under warranty. Nothing else has failed to work properly in the past 3 years.”
How to read mixed owner reviews
2022 EQS Common Issues and Annoyances
A used 2022 EQS is unlikely to strand you, but you should be prepared for the kind of small but irritating issues that come with a very complex luxury flagship, especially one whose hood you can’t even open yourself. Here are the most commonly reported trouble spots:
Typical 2022 EQS Issues to Watch For
Not every EQS will have these problems, but they’re the patterns that show up most often in owner reports and service histories.
| System / Area | Typical Symptoms | Impact on Reliability | Fix & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & warnings | Random collision warnings, driver‑assist unavailable, error chimes that clear after restart | Annoying but rarely dangerous if systems default to off | Usually fixed via software updates or control‑unit replacement; make sure all updates are current. |
| Infotainment & CarPlay | Apple CarPlay drops connection, laggy screens, profile log‑in hassles | Low; won’t strand you but hurts day‑to‑day experience | Updates help; check everything during your test drive and insist on fixes before purchase. |
| Sunroof & wind noise | Squeaks from rails, wind noise at highway speeds | Comfort issue, can be persistent | Some owners needed complete sunroof module replacement under warranty. |
| Door handles | One handle won’t present/unlock, or sensors act inconsistently | Minor; car is still drivable | Often a software or small hardware fix. Confirm all handles work smoothly. |
| Rear washer & cameras | Rear wiper washer inoperative; 360‑camera intermittently unavailable | Minor inconvenience, but camera issues affect safety and parking | Washer fix may be simple; repeated camera faults can point to wiring or control‑unit issues. |
| Interior creaks | Seat creaks, trim noises on rough roads | Mostly cosmetic annoyance | Harder to fix completely; listen for noises on a long test drive. |
| Wheels & tires | Bent or cracked 21" wheels, fast tread wear | Can affect ride, alignment, and safety | The EQS is heavy; consider downsizing to stronger 20" wheels with higher‑profile tires. |
Use this table as a checklist when test‑driving and reviewing service records.
Don’t ignore warning lights
Battery, Range & High‑Voltage Components
For any used EV, the high‑voltage battery is the heart of the reliability story. The 2022 EQS 450+ and 580 use a large pack (around 108 kWh usable) that gives them EPA‑rated ranges in the 340‑mile ballpark when new. After a few years on the road, real‑world reports suggest moderate, not catastrophic, degradation, often still offering 300+ miles of usable range if the car has been charged sensibly.
- Most owners who keep daily charging in the 20–80% window report only modest range loss by year 3–4.
- There are no widely documented patterns of pack failures specific to the 2022 EQS, no recurring cell chemistry defect or design‑level recall.
- Mercedes locks down the high‑voltage system, so DIY repairs are off the table; any issue means dealer‑level diagnostics.
Get objective battery data, not guesses
Recalls, Service Campaigns & Warranty Coverage
No modern luxury flagship escapes recalls, and the 2022 EQS is no exception. Fortunately, the major issues so far have been software‑related rather than structural defects.
- Emergency call (eCall) software recall: Early 2022 EQS and S‑Class models were recalled to reflash the communication module that handles automatic emergency calls after a crash. The fix is a software update and should already be completed on any car still on the road.
- Assorted software and control‑unit updates: Many owners report dealer visits for over‑the‑air or in‑shop updates that address sensor calibration, driver‑assist behavior, and infotainment stability.
- Region‑specific campaigns: Depending on country and build date, there may be additional service campaigns; any franchised Mercedes dealer can run the VIN and print a recall/compliance report for you.
Check recall and campaign status by VIN
From a warranty standpoint, a 2022 EQS sold new in late 2021 or 2022 is now aging out of its basic 4‑year/50,000‑mile bumper‑to‑bumper coverage, but the high‑voltage battery should still have longer protection (generally 8 years / 100,000+ miles for capacity and defects; verify exact terms and remaining coverage on the specific VIN). That battery warranty is your safety net against the single most expensive potential failure.
Cost of Ownership: Repairs, Tires & Depreciation
Repairs & maintenance
- Routine service: No oil changes, but you still have brake fluid, cabin filters, and inspections. Costs are similar to an S‑Class service visit.
- Out‑of‑warranty fixes: Modules, sensors, and trim inside an EQS are extremely expensive compared with a mainstream EV. A single failed control unit or air‑suspension component can run into four figures.
- Glass & bodywork: The panoramic glass and complex LED lighting mean higher‑than‑average repair bills after even minor damage.
Tires, wheels & depreciation
- Tire wear: The EQS is nearly three tons. Large, staggered 21" tires can wear quickly and cost $400–$500 each at the dealer.
- Wheel vulnerability: Several owners report bent or cracked 21" wheels from potholes; downsizing to 20" wheels with more sidewall can improve durability.
- Depreciation: Early EQS models have taken a "stunning" hit in value, which is painful for the first owner but a big win for you as a used buyer, if you protect yourself on reliability.
A depreciation opportunity, if you buy smart
Shopping a Used 2022 EQS: What to Check
If you decide the 2022 EQS fits your needs, the next step is choosing the right car. Because reliability issues tend to be concentrated in software and specific option packages, the pre‑purchase inspection matters more than ever.
Pre‑Purchase Checklist for a 2022 EQS
1. Run a full VIN history & recall check
Look for accident damage, lemon/buyback branding, and frequent dealer visits for the same problem, those can signal a problem child. Confirm all open recalls and service campaigns are completed.
2. Verify remaining factory and battery warranty
Ask for the in‑service date and current mileage to confirm how much basic and high‑voltage battery warranty remains. The closer you are to the 8‑year battery limit, the more important a detailed battery health report becomes.
3. Test every electronic system
On your test drive, cycle through all cameras, sensors, driver‑assist features, CarPlay/Android Auto, seat, steering wheel and mirror memories, sunroof operation, rear wiper, and washer. Any glitch now is likely to be worse later.
4. Inspect wheels, tires and alignment
Check the wheels closely for bends or cracks, inspect tire tread for uneven wear, and note any vibrations or pull at highway speed, these are common on heavy luxury EVs that have met a few potholes.
5. Listen for noises and feel for vibrations
Take the car on rough and smooth roads. Listen for seat creaks, trim buzzes, suspension clunks, or wind noise around the sunroof and doors. The benchmark here is near‑silence; anything else should be addressed.
6. Get a professional EV‑specific inspection
A general mechanic won’t have factory EQS tools. Use a Mercedes dealer or EV‑specialist shop that can scan all modules, check for stored fault codes, and pull detailed battery data. At Recharged, our <strong>Recharged Score</strong> inspection covers exactly this.
Be cautious with "as‑is" high‑mileage cars
How Recharged Can Help With a Used EQS
A flagship EV like the 2022 EQS can be a spectacular bargain or an expensive headache, depending on which car you pick. That’s where a platform built specifically around used EVs makes a real difference.
Why Consider a 2022 EQS Through Recharged
We’re set up to take the guesswork out of used EV reliability.
Recharged Score battery & systems check
Transparency on history & pricing
End‑to‑end EV‑specialist support
2022 Mercedes EQS Reliability FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About 2022 EQS Reliability
Bottom Line: Who the 2022 EQS Fits Best
If you want a used EV that feels every bit like a modern S‑Class, quiet, cosseting, and deeply luxurious, the 2022 Mercedes EQS is one of the most appealing bargains on the market right now. Its reliability story isn’t perfect, but it’s also far from the horror show some first‑year luxury EVs turn into. Most owners enjoy a smooth, drama‑free experience; a minority wrestle with repetitive software and sensor issues.
The key is to treat each 2022 EQS as an individual. With the right example, clean history, solid battery health, up‑to‑date software, and some warranty runway, you’re getting flagship comfort and range for the price of a new mid‑level crossover. With the wrong example, you’re signing up for expensive, time‑consuming troubleshooting. If you’d rather land in the first camp, working with an EV‑specialist marketplace like Recharged can give you the diagnostics, pricing transparency, and support you need to enjoy this impressive luxury EV with confidence.
