2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Electrical System Problems

An Intoxalock ignition interlock device was installed in my 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on May 7, 2026. Following installation, the vehicle experienced repeated electrical/no-start problems and incidents in which it became immobilized and could not be moved, requiring towing. On one occasion the vehicle became disabled on a roadway/highway, leaving me in a dangerous position with traffic passing around me. When the vehicle is immobilized, I cannot simply move it to a safe location, and Intoxalock has not been able to restore vehicle operation remotely. I have had to wait for towing assistance, sometimes for extended periods. Independent diagnostic/service facilities have evaluated the vehicle. One attributed battery drain to the Intoxalock-related problem. Another attributed starter damage to it. Service documentation also reflects diagnosis of the Intoxalock system and reinstallation/reconnection of the device and wiring. Documentation is available, and the equipment/vehicle can be made available for inspection upon request. The vehicle now displays numerous dashboard warning lights and is not operating normally. Safety-related systems are malfunctioning, including ABS, parking assistance, camera functions, and automatic braking/collision-avoidance functions that previously operated normally. I am concerned that the Intoxalock device, its installation/wiring, or its interaction with this vehicle’s electrical/electronic systems may be contributing to these failures. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this aftermarket ignition-interlock equipment presents a safety or compatibility risk, particularly when a vehicle can become immobilized in traffic and safety systems may be affected.

The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control activated, a yellow "Active Lane Keeping Assistance is Inoperable" message was displayed, followed by a red "Emergency Braking to Begin" message displayed on the instrument panel. To prevent the failure, the contact immediately deactivated the cruise control. The dealer was notified about the failure on several occasions, and two separate cases were filed with the manufacturer. The dealer replaced the steering wheel, replaced several fuses, and performed several software updates to correct the failure under warranty; however, the failure persisted after each repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,500.

I am submitting this complaint regarding serious and repeated electronic failures in my 2023 Mercedes-Benz E 450 that pose a significant safety risk to myself and other drivers on the road. The vehicle has experienced complete dashboard failures on multiple occasions, including the loss of speedometer, fuel gauge, and gear shift indicators. Most critically, the vehicle recently shut down while in motion, displaying a “malfunction” warning and disabling the electronic steering system. I was unable to maneuver the vehicle off the road, creating an extremely dangerous situation. This vehicle has been brought to the dealership three or more times for the same issue, with no permanent resolution. I believe this constitutes a serious safety defect. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this matter as a potential recall issue.