My name is [XXX] , While driving around 60 mph on the hwy the vehicle suddently hit the brake coming to a complete stop, with no cars in close proximity fearing that vehicle behind would hit me i steped on the accelerator and was able to drive to safety with my [XXX] daughter and [XXX] classmate that was riding to scholl with us. vehicle was towed to the dealer(mercedes-benz of sannta Rosa CA) where they inspected it. no warning lamps INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and unintendedly decelerated to 20 MPH. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. A message advising that there was no more battery power and to pull over was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical systems had failed. The dealer rebooted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the control unit software was updated, and the battery management system software was updated under Mercedes-Benz Campaign Number: 2024060002. Additionally, the dealer test-drove the vehicle; however, the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that she had stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V372000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a consideration to buyback the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 2,707.

I am writing to formally document and express serious concern regarding a lighting issue with my Mercedes-Benz EQS, which presents a significant safety hazard for both me and my family. Since December 2024, I have been facing a recurring problem with a dark shadow or image that appears while driving, particularly noticeable after dark. This shadow often resembles the shape of a person and unexpectedly enlarges or shifts, creating an alarming visual that demands immediate attention while driving. On numerous occasions, I have instinctively applied the brakes suddenly, believing that someone was standing in front of the vehicle, only to realize it was a visual distortion. This is not only disturbing but also dangerous, especially when driving at higher speeds or in traffic. Due to this ongoing issue, I have been unable to use the vehicle for commuting to work and have avoided driving it during family outings after dark. It has affected my daily routine, my family’s comfort, and our overall trust in the vehicle's safety. In the past few months, I have visited multiple authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships—including San Jose, Stevens Creek, and Fremont—all of which confirmed the presence of the shadow issue. I have also shared the concern with a Mercedes Product Manager, and the email correspondence is attached for reference. Despite their acknowledgment of the issue, all parties have stated that this visual distortion is "as per design" and that they are unable to offer a solution. I was further informed that this issue exists across all Mercedes-Benz EQS vehicles, and therefore, nothing can be done. This is unacceptable. A known design flaw that causes visual confusion and repeated panic braking should not be dismissed. The fact that multiple dealers acknowledge the problem but claim it cannot be fixed raises serious questions about product safety and accountability. Mercedez is not helping at all This is a clear safety defect and needs to be addressed seriously.