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Mercedes-Benz · Compact SUV · 2021–2026 Custom Search

Mercedes-Benz EQB X243

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

The EQB is the seven-seat sibling of the EQA — same MFA2 platform, same powertrain tech, but with an optional third row. For families wanting to go electric without needing an EQV.

The EQB-EM comes in three variants: 140 kW (EQB 250+) front-drive, 168 kW (EQB 300 4MATIC) and 215 kW (EQB 350 4MATIC) AWD. Battery and range identical to the EQA — 66.5 kWh, 240–310 miles WLTP. With the third row occupied, realistically 175–230 miles.

The third row is torture for adults but usable for children under 5 feet. Check the fold mechanism and rear ventilation when buying used. Known EQA issues apply: 12V battery drain, charge port warnings, winter range.

Test-drive checklist: Fold out the third row and sit in it — does it work for your kids? Test charge curve. In daily use: how does the extra weight versus EQA feel? Test parking assist — the EQB is 15.4 feet long.

2026 market: Between $30,800 and $49,500. Slightly more value-stable than EQA due to the seven-seat USP.

Insider pick: EQB 250+ (140 kW) with third row — the most affordable electric seven-seater with a star.


Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 is available with 3 engine variants — from 190 to 292 hp.

EQB 250+ · Electric· 190 PS
2021 2026

Electric drivetrain on MFA2 platform, technically identical to the shorter sister model, optionally with seven seats and four-wheel drive. Battery 66.5 kWh (250+: 70.5 kWh Farasis cells — triple recall through 2026, ultimately full battery replacement). Drivetrain and charging technology solid; 12V auxiliary battery is the most common day-to-day failure. HV charging failure (contact fault) occurs on older vehicles. Rear doors can become stiff over time. When buying a 250+ model, verify the battery recall has been completed.

  • !! Farasis Battery Fire Risk — Joint Recall with the Sister Model

    EQB with 70.5 kWh Farasis battery (build 12/2021–01/2024) is capable of fire through internal cell short circuit. 51,729 vehicles worldwide. Fix: complete battery replacement.

    Symptoms: No driver symptoms before fire. Recall notification by post.
    0–0 $
  • !! HV Battery — Charging Abort with Drivetrain Error from 30,000 km

    Some EQB 250 units with the 70.5 kWh battery (Farasis cells, MY 2022–2024) abort fast charging with a 'drivetrain fault' message. In severe cases, complete HV battery replacement is required.

    Symptoms: Charging stops suddenly at 20–60% state of charge, display shows 'drivetrain system fault', vehicle still drives, further charging attempts fail
    0–500 $
  • !! Battery Cooling System — Power Throttling from 30,000 km

    Insufficient coolant circulation in the HV battery circuit. In the event of overheating the system throttles drivetrain output.

    Symptoms: Sudden power reduction in heat or during fast charging. Coolant warning messages on display.
    0–500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

EQB 300 4MATIC · Electric· 228 PS
2021 2026

Electric drivetrain on MFA2 platform, technically identical to the shorter sister model, optionally with seven seats and four-wheel drive. Battery 66.5 kWh (250+: 70.5 kWh Farasis cells — triple recall through 2026, ultimately full battery replacement). Drivetrain and charging technology solid; 12V auxiliary battery is the most common day-to-day failure. HV charging failure (contact fault) occurs on older vehicles. Rear doors can become stiff over time. When buying a 250+ model, verify the battery recall has been completed.

  • !! Farasis Battery Fire Risk — Joint Recall with the Sister Model

    EQB with 70.5 kWh Farasis battery (build 12/2021–01/2024) is capable of fire through internal cell short circuit. 51,729 vehicles worldwide. Fix: complete battery replacement.

    Symptoms: No driver symptoms before fire. Recall notification by post.
    0–0 $
  • !! HV Battery — Charging Abort with Drivetrain Error from 30,000 km

    Some EQB 250 units with the 70.5 kWh battery (Farasis cells, MY 2022–2024) abort fast charging with a 'drivetrain fault' message. In severe cases, complete HV battery replacement is required.

    Symptoms: Charging stops suddenly at 20–60% state of charge, display shows 'drivetrain system fault', vehicle still drives, further charging attempts fail
    0–500 $
  • !! Battery Cooling System — Power Throttling from 30,000 km

    Insufficient coolant circulation in the HV battery circuit. In the event of overheating the system throttles drivetrain output.

    Symptoms: Sudden power reduction in heat or during fast charging. Coolant warning messages on display.
    0–500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

EQB 350 4MATIC · Electric· 292 PS
2021 2026

Electric drivetrain on MFA2 platform, technically identical to the shorter sister model, optionally with seven seats and four-wheel drive. Battery 66.5 kWh (250+: 70.5 kWh Farasis cells — triple recall through 2026, ultimately full battery replacement). Drivetrain and charging technology solid; 12V auxiliary battery is the most common day-to-day failure. HV charging failure (contact fault) occurs on older vehicles. Rear doors can become stiff over time. When buying a 250+ model, verify the battery recall has been completed.

  • !! Farasis Battery Fire Risk — Joint Recall with the Sister Model

    EQB with 70.5 kWh Farasis battery (build 12/2021–01/2024) is capable of fire through internal cell short circuit. 51,729 vehicles worldwide. Fix: complete battery replacement.

    Symptoms: No driver symptoms before fire. Recall notification by post.
    0–0 $
  • !! HV Battery — Charging Abort with Drivetrain Error from 30,000 km

    Some EQB 250 units with the 70.5 kWh battery (Farasis cells, MY 2022–2024) abort fast charging with a 'drivetrain fault' message. In severe cases, complete HV battery replacement is required.

    Symptoms: Charging stops suddenly at 20–60% state of charge, display shows 'drivetrain system fault', vehicle still drives, further charging attempts fail
    0–500 $
  • !! Battery Cooling System — Power Throttling from 30,000 km

    Insufficient coolant circulation in the HV battery circuit. In the event of overheating the system throttles drivetrain output.

    Symptoms: Sudden power reduction in heat or during fast charging. Coolant warning messages on display.
    0–500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
HV busbar loosening — drive loss

Incorrectly specified fasteners on the battery busbar can loosen. Result: sudden complete drive loss.

Symptoms: Sudden drive loss, HV error message, stranded vehicle
Low
Charge Port Lock Defective

The electric charge port lock no longer works reliably. Connector is not latched or cannot be removed.

Symptoms: Charging cable cannot be inserted/removed, charging fault message
from 30,000 km
Low

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2024

Average

The electric SUV shows average results at the MOT inspection.

2023-11
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
49 complaints · 2021–2026
  1. 01 Electrical
    34 ⚠ 3
  2. 02 Other
    12
  3. 03 Fuel System
    8
  4. 04 Brakes
    3 ⚠ 2
  5. 05 Engine
    2

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (34 complaints)
Other (12 complaints)
Fuel System (8 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 (2021–2026) — 5 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: EQB-EM (Elektro). Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC, Other, Body.

EQB (EQB-EM, 2021–2026) — Stay Away!: Farasis Battery Fire Risk — Joint Recall with the Sister Model, HV Battery — Charging Abort with Drivetrain Error, Battery Cooling System — Power Throttling. Power: 190 PS.

EQB (EQB-EM, 2021–2026) — Stay Away!: Farasis Battery Fire Risk — Joint Recall with the Sister Model, HV Battery — Charging Abort with Drivetrain Error, Battery Cooling System — Power Throttling. Power: 228 PS.

EQB (EQB-EM, 2021–2026) — Stay Away!: Farasis Battery Fire Risk — Joint Recall with the Sister Model, HV Battery — Charging Abort with Drivetrain Error, Battery Cooling System — Power Throttling. Power: 292 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz EQB? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 has 5 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz EQB X243? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the EQB-EM (Elektro). Problem engine: EQB-EM (Elektro) — stay away!
Which Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 — rated: "Decent". {description} 215 kW electric drive provides adequate propulsion. Quiet and comfortable, not exciting.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243? +
The Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 is available with engine variants from 190 to 292 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee