Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
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.
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. - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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. - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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. - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
TÜV Report 2024
The electric SUV shows average results at the MOT inspection.
2023-11Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 (2021–2026) — 4 engine-related and 11 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz EQB X243? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz EQB X243? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee