Mercedes Agreed to Buyback My EQB
Hi everyone, I just wanted to share some data points with this sub about my recall experience as it's been so helpful in deciding how to handle my EQB situation.
For background, I leased a 2023 EQB 350+ 4matic in Nov 2023, 36/12. California. I got the first recall notice in Nov 2025 as I was on my first-ever EV road trip, needing every single mile of battery range. I was lucky to find a dealership to do the software update the next day. I found out about the second battery recall here in this sub. As I live in a city and always park next to other cars and structures, it was a serious concern to me.
The dealer called me in Feb 2026 and offered to get me into another Mercedes immediately, even though my lease wasn't up for another 9 months, no mention of the recall. I had my eye on the 2027 GLC though, so the subject was dropped.
Thanks to people sharing their experiences on this sub, I hired a lemon law attorney (again, CA protections) and the demand letter went out in March 2026. The claim was based on two issues: capping the battery at 80% reduced the car's advertised utility, then the safety risks from the battery. I had to submit my lease agreement, registration papers, mileage, etc. About a week later, MB asked for all service and maintenance records, which I sent in. On the evening of the last day of the 30-day deadline, they agreed to buy my car back.
MB will essentially refund the down payment + all payments made. They subtract a percentage based on the car's mileage when the problems first occurred, which is absolutely fair considering I got two years of use. No refund for registration payments for leases. Next step is waiting to return the car to Mercedes once we settle on a buyback price.
I'm still a little in disbelief that this has happened. I really loved my car, aside from things like the risk of catching on fire, lol. Very grateful to live in a state with such strong lemon law protection.