If you’re looking at a compact luxury EV SUV, the 2025 Mercedes EQB will pop up quickly, especially if you’re shopping used. But reliability questions and a high‑profile battery recall have made many shoppers pause. This guide walks through what we know so far about 2025 Mercedes EQB reliability, how the battery recall affects resale value, and how to shop smart if you’re considering one on the used market.
Important context for 2025 EQB reliability
Overview: How Reliable is the 2025 Mercedes EQB?
Formal rating agencies haven’t published full reliability verdicts for the 2025 EQB yet, largely because sample sizes are still small and the model is a niche player. Early reports, though, suggest a mixed picture: the electric drivetrain itself is generally solid, but battery‑related recalls, software updates that reduce performance, and nagging build‑quality issues are real concerns for some owners.
2025 EQB reliability at a glance
Headline risk: battery and fire concerns
Reliability data & owner feedback so far
Because the EQB launched for 2022, it’s still early in its lifecycle. Publications that track dependability based on large owner surveys don’t yet have statistically strong scores specifically for the 2025 EQB, and in some cases list the model as "no data available." That doesn’t mean the EQB is bulletproof or terrible, it just means you need to lean more heavily on recall history and owner anecdotes.
What early EQB owners are reporting
Patterns from forums, reviews and service stories
Battery & charging complaints
Some owners of 2022–2024 EQBs report:
- Battery overheating warnings
- Reduced‑power messages and limp‑mode events
- Slower DC fast‑charging after recall software updates
Most issues are handled under warranty, but they affect confidence.
Electronics & infotainment glitches
There are recurring reports of:
- Random warning lights and chimes
- CarPlay connection drops
- Occasional MBUX system reboots
Annoying more than dangerous, but frequent trips to the dealer add up.
Noise, vibration & trim issues
A small but vocal group of owners mentions:
- Dashboard or HUD‑area vibrations
- Clicking from seats or body hardware
- Brake shudder on steep downhills
These are classic build‑quality complaints that can be hard to diagnose.
“This car is like no Mercedes I’ve ever owned… The fit and finish is sloppy. The seats are flimsy. The electronics are glitchy.”
At the same time, other EQB owners report relatively smooth sailing: normal scheduled service, little to no battery degradation after tens of thousands of miles, and no major drivetrain issues. The story that’s emerging is one of inconsistent build quality and electronics, wrapped around an EV platform that’s fundamentally competent but not cutting‑edge.
Battery health, range and major recalls
Battery reliability is the single most important question for any EV, and for the 2025 EQB it’s also the most controversial. Earlier EQBs built from 2022 onward were subject to a safety recall because the high‑voltage battery could develop internal faults that, in rare cases, posed a fire risk while parked or driving. That campaign extends to certain 2025 EQB 250, EQB 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC vehicles.
EQB battery recall landscape (through early 2026)
Key recall campaigns affecting 2022–2025 EQB models, including many 2025 vehicles that may now be circulating on the used market.
| Issue | Model years involved | Typical "fix" owners see | Real‑world impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal battery fault & fire risk | 2022–2025 EQB 250/300/350 | Initially software update to battery management system (BMS); newer campaigns call for full high‑voltage battery replacement on many vehicles | Reduced usable range and slower DC fast charging after software fix, but risk mitigation; later full battery replacement restores performance. |
| Charging‑related software behavior | Primarily 2022–2024, software may be present on 2025 build slots | BMS update that limits thermal stress on the pack | Some owners report an extra 10–15 minutes to go from ~20–80% at DC fast chargers, hurting road‑trip usability. |
Always run the VIN of any used EQB to confirm all battery‑related recalls have been completed.
What the fire‑risk recall really means
If you’re evaluating a 2025 EQB, assume it has either: (a) the recall software already installed, which may subtly reduce range and charging speed, or (b) a pending appointment for a full battery pack replacement. In the second case, getting a fresh pack actually becomes a reliability plus, your used EQB leaves with a brand‑new battery and documentation that future buyers will appreciate.
How Recharged helps on battery health
Software updates and electrical gremlins
Like most modern luxury EVs, the EQB leans heavily on software. That’s a double‑edged sword: over‑the‑air updates and dealer flashes can fix bugs and implement safety fixes, but they can also introduce new behaviors that feel like step‑backs to owners.
Software changes after the battery recall
- Stricter thermal management: The BMS may limit power during DC fast‑charging to keep cell temperatures down.
- Range tapering over time: Official recall letters describe gradual reductions in available range at higher odometer readings as part of the safety strategy.
- Charging‑time penalties: Owners report an extra 10–15 minutes to go from 10–80% at DC fast chargers versus pre‑update behavior.
Everyday software and electronics quirks
- Intermittent Apple CarPlay disconnects or dropped calls.
- Random warning lights or chimes that disappear after a restart.
- Cluster or infotainment reboots mid‑drive, then normal operation.
These issues are typically resolved with software revisions or module replacements under warranty, but they erode buyer confidence.
Ask which software version is installed
Build quality, brakes and day-to-day driveability
Beyond the headline‑grabbing battery story, the 2025 EQB’s reliability picture includes more traditional concerns: squeaks, rattles, hardware wear and brake feel. The EQB is built on a platform originally designed for gasoline models, and that shows up in the way the cabin ages and in some of the noise and vibration complaints that surface online.
- Owners report vibration or buzzing near the head‑up‑display area, sometimes dismissed as “normal” by service advisors if a fix is elusive.
- Some EQB drivers describe clicking noises from seats or body hardware when unlocking or driving off.
- A minority of owners mentions brake shudder, especially on steep downhill sections, sometimes after tire changes or wheel work.
- Paint and glass replacement can be costly; the small glass panel above the windshield that houses sensors is a frequent topic in owner forums.
How to test build quality in a short drive
Warranty coverage for 2025 EQB buyers
The good news for 2025 EQB reliability is that Mercedes backs the vehicle with competitive warranty coverage, especially on the high‑voltage battery. That doesn’t eliminate inconvenience if you’re dealing with recalls or repeated dealer visits, but it does protect you from most major repair bills early in the vehicle’s life.
Typical 2025 Mercedes EQB warranty coverage (U.S.)
Always confirm coverage details for the specific EQB you’re buying, terms may differ slightly by market or in certified‑pre‑owned programs.
| Component | Coverage period | What it usually covers | Notes for used buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New‑vehicle limited warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | Most non‑wear items: electronics, hardware, interior components, MBUX system | Check in‑service date; a 2025 model sold early in the year may time‑out before it miles‑out. |
| High‑voltage battery warranty | Typically 8–10 years / 100,000–150,000 miles (region‑specific) | Defects in materials/workmanship and excessive capacity loss below a defined threshold | Battery‑recall repairs and replacements fall under this umbrella, which is why many owners are not paying out of pocket. |
| Corrosion / perforation | Up to 12 years (varies by region) | Rust‑through on body panels | Not usually a top concern for EQB shoppers, but good to know for long‑term ownership. |
| Certified Pre‑Owned (CPO) coverage | Varies: often 1–2 extra years of limited warranty | Adds time after original 4yr/50k warranty expires | If you’re buying a CPO EQB from a Mercedes dealer, get coverage terms in writing. |
Battery and powertrain coverage are key safety nets if reliability issues show up during the first years of ownership.
Why warranty status is a big deal on a used EQB
Buying a used 2025 EQB: what to watch for
If you’re cross‑shopping the 2025 EQB against rivals, your calculus will be different if you’re buying new versus used. On the used side, the model’s discontinuation by the end of 2025 and its recall history can actually create opportunity: prices may soften more than on hotter rivals, but only if you choose carefully.
Used 2025 EQB reliability checklist
1. Run a full VIN recall check
Confirm that all <strong>battery‑related recalls</strong> are complete. If a full pack replacement is pending, negotiate who will own the car when the work is done and get that plan in writing.
2. Get objective battery‑health data
Don’t rely on the dash range estimate alone. Use an independent battery‑health test, like the <strong>Recharged Score</strong>, to understand real‑world capacity, DC fast‑charging history, and degradation versus peers.
3. Inspect for warning lights and error history
During inspection, scroll through the instrument‑cluster messages and ask the seller for any service records that mention reduced power, overheating warnings, or repeated software flashes.
4. Evaluate road‑noise and trim quality
Listen for rattles around the HUD and dash, seat clicks, and wind noise around the doors and glass. These small issues can be maddening if you’re sensitive to NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
5. Check braking feel and tire history
Uneven or pulsating brakes on an EQB can reflect rotor issues, tire changes or simply the way regenerative and friction braking interact. Have a trusted EV‑savvy shop evaluate before you buy.
6. Confirm fast‑charging behavior
If possible, take the EQB to a DC fast charger during your test and observe real‑world charging power and time to 80%. Decide if the post‑recall curve works for how you travel.
How Recharged streamlines used‑EQB shopping
How the 2025 EQB compares to rival EVs on reliability
In the compact luxury EV‑SUV class, the EQB competes with models like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e‑tron, BMW iX1/X3‑class EVs and Volvo’s XC40 Recharge/C40. Each has its own reliability baggage: Teslas bring build‑quality quirks, some Audi and Volvo models have their own software gremlins and charging hiccups. The EQB’s unique weak spot is its combination of a legacy ICE‑based platform and a headline‑grabbing battery recall.
Reliability themes: 2025 EQB vs key rivals
High‑level, owner‑reported reliability patterns in the small luxury EV‑SUV class.
| Model | Platform | Biggest reliability worry | Relative advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes EQB (2025) | Adapted from gas GLB | Battery recall, slower DC charging after software fixes; some build‑quality complaints | Strong warranty, potential for brand‑new replacement battery, familiar Mercedes driving feel. |
| Tesla Model Y | Dedicated EV | Build quality, water leaks, panel alignment; service access and parts delays | Very strong DC fast‑charging network and relatively simple powertrain with fewer moving parts. |
| Audi Q4 e‑tron | Shared MEB EV platform | Software glitches, infotainment lag, charging‑curve complaints | Refined ride, VW Group scale experience with EV components. |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge / C40 | Adapted platform | Range efficiency in cold weather, occasional software issues | Excellent safety focus and strong crash‑test performance. |
No compact luxury EV is perfect, your choice comes down to which risk profile you’re most comfortable living with.
Think in terms of “which problems” rather than “no problems”
FAQ: 2025 Mercedes EQB reliability
Frequently asked questions about 2025 EQB reliability
Bottom line: should you buy a 2025 EQB?
From a reliability standpoint, the 2025 Mercedes EQB is a mixed bag. It’s not a disaster, but it’s not the set‑and‑forget EV some buyers expect from a premium badge either. The biggest red flag is the high‑voltage battery recall and the way Mercedes has used software to manage risk, sometimes at the expense of range and DC‑fast‑charging performance. Layer in scattered build‑quality and electronics complaints, and you have an EV that demands a more careful pre‑purchase inspection than many rivals.
If you find a 2025 EQB with completed battery work, clean service history, quiet cabin and warranty coverage stretching years into the future, it can be a smart buy at the right price, especially on the used market where depreciation and recall headlines are already baked in. If you’re not comfortable with that level of complexity, you may be better served by a rival EV SUV with a simpler recall story, even if it introduces its own set of trade‑offs.
Either way, don’t shop blind. Use VIN‑based recall checks, independent battery‑health diagnostics and EV‑savvy guidance to understand exactly what you’re getting. That’s the approach Recharged was built for, making used‑EV ownership more transparent, so you can decide if an EQB, or another electric SUV entirely, is the right long‑term partner for your driveway.
