Owners have filed 154 complaints
about the 2016 Mercedes Benz Metris with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz Metris. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 10
1.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
72% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Mercedes Benz Metris
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
68.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1419.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2231.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1926.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
79.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
11.4%
150,000+ miles
22.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2016peak 7May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Mercedes Benz Metris
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE18002Opened 13 Mar 2018Closed 18 Jun 2019FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Low Pressure Fuel Supply Hose Leak
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 connec...
Recalls on the 2016 Mercedes Benz Metris
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20261679,044 units in Canada
Tires
Issue: On certain vehicles, winter tires with the wrong load rating may have been installed. As a result, the tires may be overloaded. This could cause poor handling or a tire failure. Safety Risk: Poor handling or a tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the winter tires.
Recall 20223435,116 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) are higher than the allowable maximum load for the tires. As a result, the tires could be overloaded. Driving a vehicle with tires that are overloaded could cause poor handling and/or a tire failure. Safety Risk: Poor handling or a tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the tire and loading information labels on the B-pillar and fuel filler door and provide you with an add-on for the owner's manual. The dealer will also inspect the tires and, if necessary, replace them.
Recall 20220853,701 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rearview camera image could freeze while backing up. Safety Risk: A rearview camera that doesn't display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to have the rearview camera replaced.
Recall 20195151,798 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: Certain vans equipped with an integrated backup battery do not have a cover installed over the front passenger's seat base. As a result, if an object made of a conductive material is dropped into the opening, it could make contact with the battery terminals. This could result in a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could increase the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install a cover over the front passenger's seat base. Consumers should not use a seat base with a battery as a storage compartment.
Recall 20191761,390 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear may corrode and break. This could cause a loss of power steering assist. Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist would result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the aluminum bolts with steel ones.
Recall 20186542,259 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, fuel may weep or leak from one of the lower connecting points of the fuel hose. If this occurs, a fuel odour may be detected inside the vehicle. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could increase the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the hose and clamp at the lower connecting point of the transition hose, between the underbody fuel line and the Schrader valve, and replace the hose at the upper connection of the fuel line to the fuel pump.
Recall 20172201 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles may have received incorrect module coding updates between December 3rd, 2016 and December 5th, 2016 during vehicle servicing. Depending on which vehicle control unit was improperly coded, the potential malfunctions could differ. In some cases, the improper coding could potentially affect functions of the Electronic Stability Control system (ESC), such as the HOLD function, or the trailer stabilization, and the distance control unit assistance system. In other cases, certain airbag control unit functions could be affected, such as the seat belt buckle status not being properly recognized. Furthermore another potential result of the incorrect coding, is that some powertrain scopes could be affected, which could lead to an engine failure or the loss of the speed limiter function. These conditions could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the coding of the affected control units.
Recall 201720269 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may have been equipped with seat belt pretensioner igniters that do not meet specifications. This could cause the affected pretentioners to fail to deploy properly in the event of a crash (where deployment is warranted), which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected front seat belt pretentioners.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Gilmanton, NHFire
ENGINE
Piston blew with regular maintenance under a 100K.
NHTSA complaint #11548818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesColumbia, SC1 injured
SUSPENSION
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 TO GET A ROAD SIDE SERVICE TO COME WITH A LONGER JACK TO PUT UNDER THE SUSPENSION, JACK IT UP TO COMPRESS THE SUSPENSION. THEN I GOT THE TIRE OFF. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN MY GARAGE WITH A LEVEL CONCRETE FLOOR. I READ THE MANUAL SEVERAL TIME TO MAKE SURE I DID THE TIRE CHANGE CORRECTLY, AND I DID. THE VAN ONLY HAD 20K MILES. I'M STILL CONFUSED HOW THE TIRE END UP LIKE IT DID. I TOOK IT TO MY NEAREST MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS BROKEN ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. THEY COULDN'T EXPLAIN THE ISSUE I HAD CHANGING THE TIRE, BUT THEY HAD SEEN THE TIRE WEAR ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES ON THESE VANS. THEY SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS WAY OUT. I USE THIS VEHICLE FOR MY VIDEO PRODUCTION BUSINESS. AFTER THIS ACCIDENT, I HAD THE CAR WEIGHTED ON A CAT SCALE, LOADED AND UNLOADED. I HAUL AROUND 1300 POUNDS OF GEAR. ITS RATED FOR 1874 POUND OF CARGO, AND THAT WITH TWO ROWS OF SEATS THAT WEIGH 150 POUNDS EACH THAT I HAVE REMOVED FROM THE CAR. I PUT NEW TIRES ON THE CAR AND HAD IT ALIGNED WITH ALL THE WEIGHT I CARRY. IT WAS FINE FOR ABOUT A 1000 MILES. I JUST DON'T FEEL SAFE. IT FEELS LIKE I'VE MAX THE SUSPENSION OUT. I FEEL THE SUSPENSION ON THIS CAR IT NOT RIGHT FOR THE WEIGHT IS SAYS IT CAN HANDLE
NHTSA complaint #11080228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Jacksonville, NC
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
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 rubber connection (I have video). Once the rubber line swells up again due to the fuel in the line, it will slow the leak. So, if you use the car daily, you will be less likely to notice a leak. If you use the car infrequently, you will be more likely to have a leak.
NHTSA complaint #11708574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, NY
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 customers.
NHTSA complaint #11695398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, NY
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, NY
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesLas Vegas, NV
STEERING
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 the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
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 recall work on my van actually resulted in replaced parts or not (I bought this van used after the recall work order was completed). This is a health and safety hazard and Mercedes should have a permanent fix, not give us a part that needs regular expensive maintenance.
NHTSA complaint #11669847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shohola, PA
ENGINE
2016 Metris Engine M274 Check engine light, P052E71 Crankcase ventilation valve- Oil leakage- safety is compromised as this damage causes engine failure. The dealer has confirmed multiple oil leaks and other parts and service is required at extensive cost to me. This is the same damage and failure that passenger models with the M274 engine have an extended warranty available to them- my PASSENGER Metris with the exact same engine is excluded from this extended warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11659960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridgewood, NJ
ENGINE
position sensor for intake camshaft had a malfunction. Position of intake camshaft implausible. Intake camshaft pick up wheel was not in sync with timing. Antique camshaft was out of sync by 180°. This caused a loss of power and engine functionality while underway.
NHTSA complaint #11653270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seminole, FL
ENGINE
Intake line assembly Crank case ventilation system PCV valve failure
NHTSA complaint #11647923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seminole, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Intake line assembly Crank case ventilation system PCV valve failure
NHTSA complaint #11647923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, OR
STEERING
I was driving down a smooth straight highway at 60 mph when the power steering completely failed. After that the van was nearly impossible to turn even a slight amount. If the road had been a bunch of curves I wouldn't have been able to make it to a safe place to pull over. Mercedes had recall campaign #17V595000 that addressed this problem but when I called them they said there are no active recalls for my VIN number. This is a very dangerous failure and I hope you can look into it. Also the van only has 60,000 miles on it. Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11635871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Timnath, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel line is leaking again. I have had this replaced three times already. Once under warranty and twice out-of-pocket. Why wasn't the MY2016 included in the recall? The raw fuel smell permeates the cabin and is nauseating. This is a safety issue were something needs to be done for a permanent fix before someone dies in a fiery death.
NHTSA complaint #11631728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
TIRES
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11622949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
TIRES
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11612366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maplewood, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Crank case ventilation valve failure and a common issue for this model. Code: P052E Failed NJ motor vehicle inspection due to emissions code: P052E
NHTSA complaint #11609347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesBroomfield, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the crank case ventilation valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ENGINE
The Crankcase ventilation valve called (Crankcase Rebreather)comes with a defect making engine light to come on after about an average of 50.000 miles, with a code p052e, preventing passing state vehicle inspection. Feedback from many Metris ownership highlights exact same challenge with engine light turned on at all times. But dealership is charging up to 3.000 dollars to remove their own faulty designed part.
NHTSA complaint #11608728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Crankcase ventilation valve called (Crankcase Rebreather)comes with a defect making engine light to come on after about an average of 50.000 miles, with a code p052e, preventing passing state vehicle inspection. Feedback from many Metris ownership highlights exact same challenge with engine light turned on at all times. But dealership is charging up to 3.000 dollars to remove their own faulty designed part.
NHTSA complaint #11608728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bay Village, OH
TIRES
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11606803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
TIRES
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but had not received an answer. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11605238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CHECK engine Light CEL Code P052E suddenly turned on in the winter about 1 1/2 year ago, but turned off itself after a month. The Check Engine Light CEL code p052e turned on suddenly in June 2024 and stays on still. Emailed and complaint to Mercedes Benz USA and received no answer. MERCEDES BENZ USA given recall and Emission extended warranty on this code to all C, E, G, , SLC And SLK Class passenger cars with 2.0 Engine on August 25, 2023, but excluded my passenger van model, Metris, which has the same code and is a common problem. This is not right and not fair. Please advise and help.
NHTSA complaint #11603619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
ENGINE
CHECK engine Light CEL Code P052E suddenly turned on in the winter about 1 1/2 year ago, but turned off itself after a month. The Check Engine Light CEL code p052e turned on suddenly in June 2024 and stays on still. Emailed and complaint to Mercedes Benz USA and received no answer. MERCEDES BENZ USA given recall and Emission extended warranty on this code to all C, E, G, , SLC And SLK Class passenger cars with 2.0 Engine on August 25, 2023, but excluded my passenger van model, Metris, which has the same code and is a common problem. This is not right and not fair. Please advise and help.
NHTSA complaint #11603619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Code P052E-71 Valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction Code P06DA-00 Actuation of the valve in the combustion engine has an electrical fault or open circuit. These codes have been reported on too many times on forums to not have these issues recalled and fixed and paid for by Mercedes. This expensive problem should not have occurred with such little mileage and have to be fixed by the consumer
NHTSA complaint #11595927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, NY
ENGINE
Code P052E-71 Valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction Code P06DA-00 Actuation of the valve in the combustion engine has an electrical fault or open circuit. These codes have been reported on too many times on forums to not have these issues recalled and fixed and paid for by Mercedes. This expensive problem should not have occurred with such little mileage and have to be fixed by the consumer
NHTSA complaint #11595927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.