CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

126

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris have filed 126 safety complaints with NHTSA between April 2016 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the fuel and propulsion system, named in 37 of them (29%). The typical failure was reported at 19,500 miles, the median across the 62 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints halved year on year: 7 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 15 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 13 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (13)

TIRES

22V482000 · July 7, 2022

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans. The value for the maximum combined load weight capacity of the tires is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire and Loading Information."
The risk
An overloaded vehicle may cause tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will install corrected labels on the B-pillar and fuel filler door. Dealers will also inspect and replace incorrect tires, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning April 19, 2024. Owners may contact DVUSA at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2LASTRE.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 24,359 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

22V099000 · February 22, 2022

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. A defective memory chip in the rearview camera may cause the display image to freeze.
The risk
A frozen rearview image does not show the live view of what is currently behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2RU54KAM.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 17,093 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

22V066000 · February 8, 2022

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir may be incorrectly mounted, which can allow it to detach.
The risk
A detached brake fluid reservoir can leak brake fluid, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake fluid reservoir mounting, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 2, 2022. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2BE42BRE.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 28,743 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V055000 · February 5, 2021

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
The risk
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSXHERMPOS.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 84,345 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

19V715000 · October 8, 2019

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The integrated backup battery compartment located underneath the front passenger's seat may not have its own cover, potentially exposing the battery when the seat is moved forward.
The risk
If conductive material, such as metal, unintentionally drops into the opening and contacts the terminals on the battery, an electrical short can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the battery compartment area, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on December 2, 2019. The recall began March 9, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SITZAB.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 15,160 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

19V290000 · April 10, 2019

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Metris vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
The risk
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum bolts with steels bolts, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on June 3, 2019. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SCHRALU.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 9,471 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

18V837000 · November 29, 2018

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The fuel hose in the engine compartment may leak at the lower connecting point of the transition hose, between the underbody fuel line and the Schrader valve and/or where the fuel line connects to the fuel pump.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected hose and clamp, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 12,383 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

18V335000 · May 22, 2018

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The transmission support may not have been properly tightened to the vehicle body, potentially resulting in damage to the driveshaft.
The risk
Damage to the driveshaft could cause a loss of power to the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission support mounting bolts, replacing and tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 7,433 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

17V595000 · September 22, 2017

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans. These vehicles have electrical power steering control units with improperly welded contact pins.
The risk
The improperly welded pins may lose contact, deactivating the power steering assist and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. An interim notice is expected to be mailed on November 17, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners when parts become available. Owners may contact Daimler's customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 3 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

17V272000 · April 21, 2017

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Freightliner Sprinter and 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. During vehicle servicing, the affected vehicles received software updates that may conflict with some of the vehicle's computers.
The risk
The improper software may cause problems with the electronic stability control system, the air bag control unit or the engine management software. These problems can result in an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers will update the affected control units on the vehicles, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on July 12, 2017. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 3 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

17V244000 · April 10, 2017

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash.
The risk
If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners do not function properly, the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belts, free of charge. An interim notification was mailed to owners on June 9, 2017. A second notice was mailed on July 7, 2017, to tell owners that the remedy is now available. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 305 vehicles across all model years covered

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

17V148000 · March 7, 2017

The defect
Daimler Vans USA LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. These vans were to be equipped with the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) feature, however, the installed instrument cluster and steering wheel does not support the function, and thus, the BSM system does not work on the vehicle.
The risk
If a vehicle is in the driver's blind spot, but the BSM system does not warn the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct instrument cluster and steering wheel to enable the BSM function, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on May 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. The recall began on May 26, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 72 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

16V342000 · May 24, 2016

The defect
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Mercedes Benz Metris vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015. The affected vehicles have rear differential gears that may have been improperly welded.
The risk
The weld may fail and result in a loss of power to the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear differential gears, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC · up to 2 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Low Pressure Fuel Supply Hose Leak

PE18002

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened March 13, 2018 · closed June 18, 2019 · led to recall 18V837000

the gasoline fuel system

On November 27, 2018, Daimler Vans USA, LLC submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing two engine compartment fuel hose connection defects in certain model year (MY) 2016 and 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles (Recall 18V-837).The recall scope includes approximately 12,383 Metris vehicles manufactured from March 2, 2015 (SOP) to March 15, 2017.The defects may result in leakage from an upper hose connection that feeds the high-pressure fuel pump or from a lower hose connection of the fuel transition hose between the underbody fuel line and the Shrader valve.The upper connection defect was caused by thermal aging of the hose material (Veritas hose), resulting in a loss of elasticity over time.The thermal aging of the hose leads to a progressive reduction of sealing performance, which is most evident at low ambient temperatures.The problem was corrected by changing to a hose with better material properties (ContiTech hose).The lower connection defect was caused by a manufacturing process problem, where the hose clamp may have been installed using an incorrect tool.The recall remedy involves replacing the upper and lower hoses and clamps, as necessary, and ensuring proper installation. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-002 to investigate nine (9) complaints (VOQs) reporting incidents of gasoline odor or leakage in nine (9) model year (MY) 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans (subject vehicles).Eight (8) of the VOQs indicated that the problem occurred in cold ambient temperatures, either during engine warm-up after a cold start or after the vehicle had been parked and shutoff. Two (2) of the consumers have indicated to ODI that the problems were diagnosed by dealer service technicians as the upper hose connection defect.As part of PE18-002, ODI analyzed information related to the incidents reported to the Office by consumers and analyzed the information provided by Daimler Vans in response to ODI's information request letter.The fuel hose leak field experience shown in the Failure Report section of this resume all involve vehicles covered by the Daimler Vans recall.This Preliminary Evaluation is closed with recall 18V-837.VOQs associated with the investigation: 10936026, 10936184, 10991876, 11054491, 11057992, 11063437, 11063829, 11104437, 11138922, 11139024, 11140844, 1150262, 11152201.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 126.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 37 29%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 21 17%
ENGINE 16 13%
TIRES 15 12%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15 12%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10 8%
STEERING 9 7%
WHEELS 7 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 4 3%
AIR BAGS 3 2%
SEAT BELTS 3 2%
STRUCTURE 3 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2018 at 26.

2016 2018 2026
2016 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SUSPENSION

1 injured · 22,000 miles

WHEN I NOTICED MY RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BALLED AMOUNT TO THE STEAL BELTS, I KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE CAR ONLY HAD 20K ON IT. I WENT TO PUT THE SPARE ON. WHEN REMOVING THE TIRE, UP ON FACTORY JACK, AND BOLTS REMOVED. I NOTICED THAT AS MUCH AS I JACKED THE CAR UP THE TIRE WOULD NOT COME ALL THE WAY OFF THE GROUND. WHEN I FINALLY GOT THE TIRE FREE, THE BRAKE ROTOR SHOT DOWN ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RIM, SHOT THE CAR UP IN THE AIR, AND JACK KNOCKED OVER. IT WAS LIKE THE SPRING CAME COMPLETE UNCOMPRESSED AND SHOT THE CAR UP. WHEN IT CAME DOWN, MY HAND WAS WEDGE BETWEEN THE TIRE AND CAR. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OUT QUICKLY, BUT I COULD NOT GET THE CAR JACK UP ALL THE WAY TO GET THE TIRE OFF. I HAVE

NHTSA complaint 11080228, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 55,000 miles

BATTERY CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED DOWN. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 2.5-3HRS ON 12/26 AND THEN PARKED FOR 2 HRS, WHEN I WENT TO START VEHICLE IT WAS TOTALLY DEAD, ALL ELECTRONICS BLACK AND CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER, I THEN NOTICES A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM PASSENGER SEAT WHERE BATTERY IS STORED. I EXITED THE VEHICLE THINKING IT WAS JUST A SMALL SHORT AND WOULD HAVE IT TOWED. I THEN NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF VEHICLE SO CALLED 911 AND FIRE DEPT CAME OUT, BATTERY WAS LITERALLY MELTING, THE FIREMEN WERE ABLE TO DISCCONECT BATTERY AND STOP THE MELTDOWN PREVENTING THE CAR FROM GOING UP IN FLAMES, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint 11296913. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

Piston blew with regular maintenance under a 100K.

NHTSA complaint 11548818. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES

towed

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz M1CA126. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger front tire exploded. The vehicle was towed to a tire shop. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown . VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint 11545831. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the recall repairs were denied, and the contact was asked to take the vehicle back to the original dealer who sold the vehicle. The contact reached out to several other local dealers; however, the assistance was provided due to the vehicle having approximately 18inch rims. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint 11739338. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel smell in the engine compartment and visible leaking fuel on the lower hoses per NHTSA Campaign Number 18V837000. I previously complained about this in April 2025 (ID 11669847). Dealer inspected in April 2025 and replaced the lower hose, but I still would smell fuel. After a lot of my own troubleshooting over the last six months, I have determined that when the car has sat un-used for over 24 hours, the rubber fuel lines shrink just enough that the next time the fuel system is primed (pre-start routine when you unlock the car, or start the car), a small amount of fuel leaks out at the connection. If the car sits for weeks and then you start it up, fuel will visibly leak out of the

NHTSA complaint 11708574, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It has been two years after posting an issue with engine light on indicating the error code p052e which is a known problem on many models mercedes has. This metris van is not a passenger van but a commercial van. It has however the SAME engine and SAME error code as all the models mercedes having this engine. It is stated that it is under warranty by mercedes up to 150k, with the exception of the commercial van. This is ludicrous and a failure to correct a known defect and expecting the customer to pay the bill. It is also disturbing that the NHTSA does not communicate to the complaint or direct mercedes to FIX the problem. What happened to Quality and Customer care?

NHTSA complaint 11695391. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
How does the digital display suddenly disappear from your dashboard? Mercedes has lost its respect for being a High Quality brand. Too many recalls,. Too many issues that vehicles less costly never have such as 1. Out of alignment at 0 mileage resulting in worn out tires at 12k miles. Realignment that was useless at mb specs resulting in third set of tires. 2. Pcv regulator valve triggers engine code p052e which means a $3000 repair bill that's not covered on commercial vans but covered on passenger vans with the same engine. 3. Digital display on dashboard gone. Yet cars in the 60's with digital screens still working. Thanks Mercedes for the Quality and commitment you have to your

NHTSA complaint 11695398, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

towed · 75,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the failure occurred immediately after driving over a speed bump, and the message "Power Steering Assist Malfunction" was displayed. The contact pulled over into a parking lot, and the vehicle was towed to a body shop to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering wire had overheated, causing a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V595000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of

NHTSA complaint 11682273, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There was a fuel smell emanating from the engine compartment during the vehicle pre-start routine (fuel pump priming). The dealership determined this to be a leak in the lower fuel hose to fuel line of the service connection per NHTSA Campaign Number 18V837000, however they refused to cover the cost of the repair because the recall work was previously completed in 2019. Corporate Mercedes Benz USA also refused to extend any goodwill toward this repair despite acknowledging it is the recall issue because the work was done once and is now considered out of warranty. Recall 18V-837 only requires authorized dealer to inspect and replace as necessary, so I don't know if the previously completed

NHTSA complaint 11669847, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz Metris

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2022 9 5
2019 8 12
2018 28 10
2017 29 14

Other 2016 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst