If you’re considering a 2023 Mercedes EQB, reliability is probably high on your list. This compact electric SUV offers a premium cabin, optional third row, and familiar Mercedes driving feel, but its long‑term dependability record is still taking shape, and a high‑profile battery recall has raised fair questions about overall reliability.
Quick take
2023 Mercedes EQB reliability at a glance
2023 EQB reliability snapshot
From a reliability standpoint, the 2023 EQB sits in the middle of the EV pack. Structurally, it’s based on the gasoline GLB, a platform with a decent reliability record. But electrifying that platform has introduced new components, battery packs, inverters, software, that have generated recalls and some serious owner complaints about sudden loss of power and repeated visits to the dealer.
- Strengths: Proven chassis and interior hardware, robust battery warranty, generally solid build quality for a small luxury SUV.
- Weak spots: High‑voltage battery recalls, occasional “limp mode” or no‑start incidents, creaks/rattles on some examples, and finicky infotainment or driver‑assist electronics.
Pay attention to the battery recall
How the EQB is built – and why that matters for reliability
The 2023 EQB isn’t a clean‑sheet electric vehicle. It’s an electric conversion of the gasoline Mercedes‑Benz GLB, built on the MFA2 platform. That has pros and cons for reliability.
Pros of the converted platform
- Mature chassis: Suspension, steering, and much of the body structure have already seen several years of real‑world use in the GLB.
- Shared parts: Many interior bits, switches, and trim pieces are shared with other Mercedes models, which can simplify sourcing replacements.
- Conventional feel: The EQB drives and rides like other compact Mercedes SUVs, which some owners prefer to more radical EV designs.
Cons for long‑term reliability
- Packaging compromises: Fitting a battery and electric motors into a gasoline‑designed shell can mean tight service access and more complexity.
- Weight: The EQB is heavy for its size, which can translate to more wear on suspension and tires.
- New EV systems on old bones: The high‑voltage battery, power electronics, and software stack are relatively new for Mercedes, and that’s where most reliability questions live.
Used‑car takeaway
Recalls and known issues affecting 2023 EQB reliability
As of early 2026, the biggest reliability story around the 2023 EQB is its high‑voltage battery. Mercedes and regulators have identified separate issues that can lead either to sudden loss of drive power or, in a different recall population, an increased risk of thermal events (fire) inside the pack.
Key EQB battery‑related recalls (affecting many 2023s)
Always run the VIN through an official recall checker before you buy. This table is a high‑level summary, not a substitute for a VIN‑specific report.
| Issue | Symptom for driver | Likely model years | Typical remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorrect high‑voltage battery hardware (bus bar fasteners) | Sudden loss of drive power without warning | 2022–2023 EQB 300 & 350 (subset) | Battery management software update, plus inspection of battery hardware |
| Early‑production battery cell vulnerability | Increased risk of internal short circuit and fire, especially at high state of charge | 2022–2024 EQB (subset) | Replacement of entire high‑voltage battery pack with more robust design, temporary 80% charge limit |
| Battery‑management software calibration | Reduced fast‑charge speed after recall update (owner complaints) | Primarily 2022–2023 EQB after software recall | Software update prioritizes cell protection, sometimes at the expense of DC fast‑charging speed |
Recall campaigns and remedies evolve over time; confirm the latest status with a Mercedes‑Benz dealer or official government database.
Outside of the battery, the 2023 EQB shares some of the same issues we see across modern luxury EVs: occasional sensor failures, infotainment quirks, and driver‑assistance features that don’t always behave as expected. A few owners have reported repeated “limp mode” incidents or total electronic shutdowns, while others have logged tens of thousands of miles with no problems beyond routine maintenance.
Loss‑of‑power complaints
Battery health, range and fast‑charging behavior
On paper, the 2023 EQB’s battery and drivetrain are conservative rather than cutting‑edge. That can be a good thing for long‑term reliability, but you should understand how the car behaves in the real world, especially after recall software updates aimed at protecting the pack.
- Battery warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles against excessive capacity loss, typical for luxury EVs.
- Real‑world range: Many owners use the EQB as a local commuter or family shuttle and report that range is adequate but not generous, especially in cold weather or at highway speeds.
- DC fast‑charging: Several owners report noticeably slower DC fast‑charging after recall‑related battery‑management updates. That’s the tradeoff Mercedes has chosen to reduce stress on the pack.
- Degradation so far: Because 2023 models are only a few years old, we’re just starting to see meaningful data. Most vehicles that have been driven and charged normally still appear to have healthy packs, but software limits can mask the true picture if you don’t test carefully.
How to spot charging‑related problems
Everyday owner experience: what drivers report
Owner feedback on the 2023 EQB is decidedly mixed. Some drivers rate it highly for comfort, build quality, and trouble‑free operation. Others have run into a string of electrical problems that undermine confidence in the car. That split is exactly why digging into an individual vehicle’s history matters more than relying on any single reliability score.
What 2023 EQB owners like and dislike
Themes that show up repeatedly in reviews and forum posts
Common positives
- Comfort and refinement: Quiet cabin, smooth power delivery, and typical Mercedes materials in higher trims.
- Practical packaging: Boxy shape, usable cargo area, and available small third row for kids in some trims.
- Around‑town EV: Many owners happily use the EQB as a daily driver and local errand‑runner with no range stress.
- Ice‑like driving feel: For buyers coming from gasoline Mercedes SUVs, the EQB feels familiar rather than experimental.
Common complaints
- Glitches and warnings: Random warning lights, temporarily disabled sensors, or limp‑mode incidents that require dealer visits.
- Navigation and software quirks: The MBUX navigation, especially in “Electric Intelligence” mode, can route poorly; many owners simply use smartphone apps.
- Interior creaks: Some 2023 owners mention creaky cabins or noisy brakes that hurt the luxury impression.
- Dealer support: A recurring theme is frustration with diagnosis times and EV‑specific expertise at some Mercedes dealers.
"Avoid the Mercedes EQB300… a constant source of problems… limped once dropping from 50 mph to 20 mph… But the dependability, electronics and the ability of Mercedes to diagnose issues… is absent."
Remember the quiet majority
Is the 2023 EQB a good used EV buy?
The 2023 EQB can be a smart used EV purchase for the right buyer, but it’s not a set‑and‑forget appliance. If you’re comfortable doing your homework on recalls, software updates, and service history, you can end up with a well‑equipped compact luxury SUV at a meaningful discount from new pricing.
Who the 2023 EQB fits well
- Short‑to‑moderate‑range drivers: Daily commutes, school runs, and errands within a metro area.
- Families needing a compact footprint: City dwellers who value a small SUV with more cargo space than a sedan.
- Buyers who like Mercedes: You want the brand experience and cabin feel more than maximum EV range or newest tech.
Who might want something else
- Heavy road‑trippers: If you routinely drive long distances, slower DC fast‑charging and modest range might frustrate you.
- Set‑and‑forget shoppers: If you never want to think about recalls, software, or dealer visits, a simpler mainstream EV may be a better fit.
- Budget‑sensitive owners: Out‑of‑warranty Mercedes diagnostics and repairs can be pricey compared with non‑luxury brands.
Where Recharged fits in
Checklist: what to check on a used 2023 EQB
Essential 2023 EQB reliability checks
1. Confirm all battery and powertrain recalls
Use the VIN to check official recall databases and ask the seller for documentation. You want written proof that any high‑voltage battery or loss‑of‑power recalls have been completed, not just “we think it was done.”
2. Review full service and repair history
Look for repeated visits for the same issue, especially electronic faults, limp‑mode incidents, or no‑start conditions. A clean service history with routine maintenance is what you’re after.
3. Test every driver‑assistance feature
On your test drive, deliberately check adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, parking sensors, cameras, and blind‑spot monitoring. Intermittent failures often show up as warning messages or unavailable systems.
4. Evaluate DC fast‑charging behavior
If possible, take the EQB to a DC fast charger. Note how quickly it charges from around 10–20% to 70–80%, and whether charging suddenly throttles or stops. Compare your experience to what you’d expect for a compact luxury EV.
5. Listen for creaks and rattles
On a smooth road and over bumps, listen for cabin creaks, especially from the dash and doors. Some 2023 EQBs are solid; others feel looser than you’d expect from a premium brand.
6. Inspect tires and suspension wear
Heavy EVs work their tires and suspension hard. Uneven tire wear, clunks over bumps, or wandering on the highway suggest alignment or suspension issues you’ll want addressed before purchase.
7. Check software version and infotainment stability
Ask the seller or dealer to show the current software version and any update history. During your test drive, watch for freezes, black screens, or random reboots of the MBUX system.
8. Verify charging equipment
Make sure the included home charging cable and any adapters work properly. Inspect the charge port door and pins for damage or corrosion.
Don’t skip a pre‑purchase inspection
How Recharged evaluates 2023 EQB reliability and battery health
When a 2023 Mercedes EQB comes through Recharged, we don’t just plug in a scan tool and glance at the dash. We take a structured, EV‑specific approach so you know exactly what you’re getting before you commit.
Inside a Recharged Score for a 2023 EQB
What we look at before a used EQB earns our trust
Deep battery diagnostics
High‑voltage system scan
History & recall verification
Because Recharged focuses on used EVs, we see patterns across many vehicles. If certain EQB model years, trims, or build periods show more problems, that factors into how we price, present, or even decide whether to retail those vehicles at all. The goal is simple: fewer surprises for you after delivery.
FAQ: 2023 Mercedes EQB reliability questions answered
Frequently asked questions about 2023 EQB reliability
Bottom line on 2023 Mercedes EQB reliability
The 2023 Mercedes EQB is a thoughtfully packaged compact electric SUV with a comfortable cabin and a familiar Mercedes driving experience. Reliability, however, is a nuanced story. The underlying chassis is mature, but the high‑voltage battery and software layer have needed recalls and updates, and a minority of owners have encountered serious drive‑power or electrical issues.
If you’re shopping used, the key is not to treat all 2023 EQBs as the same. A well‑maintained example with completed recall work, clean diagnostics, and healthy battery performance can serve as a dependable, premium daily driver. A neglected example with incomplete software or battery campaigns, repeat warning lights, or sluggish fast‑charging is a risk you don’t need to take, especially when other options exist.
Working with a used‑EV specialist like Recharged gives you an advantage here. Our Recharged Score battery‑health diagnostics, recall verification, and detailed inspection process are designed to surface the very reliability questions most buyers can’t easily answer on their own. Whether you ultimately choose a 2023 EQB or an alternative, you’ll be making that decision with your eyes open, and that’s the foundation of long‑term satisfaction with any EV.
