NHTSA Complaint #11718164 — 2024 MERCEDES-BENZ EQE 350+

The vehicle experienced repeated electrical wiring harness damage in the lighting, tire and connector areas due to exposed and insufficiently protected wiring near socket terminations. On two separate service visits, authorized dealership technicians confirmed that rodents chewed through multiple exposed wires. The affected wiring involves critical electrical systems. The connectors lack adequate shielding, loom, or protective insulation at exposed termination points. The insulation ends before the connector, leaving conductors vulnerable to environmental exposure and rodent access. Warning indicators illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle required dealer repair on both occasions. The damaged wiring was inspected and confirmed by certified technicians and is available for inspection upon request. This condition presents a significant safety risk. If a rodent partially damages a wire connected to braking systems, steering systems, high-voltage components, sensors, or engine control systems, failure could occur while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden loss of power, interruption of propulsion, or malfunction of safety systems at highway speeds could increase the risk of a crash. Because this is an electric vehicle, sudden electrical interruption may result in complete loss of propulsion or charging capability. If such failure occurs in remote areas, at night, or in extreme weather conditions, occupants could be left stranded in potentially hazardous situations. This issue has occurred more than once, and no permanent preventive solution has been provided. The design appears to leave critical wiring insufficiently protected from foreseeable environmental and rodent exposure, creating an ongoing safety hazard. I request review of whether the wiring design provides adequate protection for safety-related electrical systems.