Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD

2016 Mercedes-Benz MetrisRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 127 owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (37) and visibility/wiper (21). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
13campaigns
Latest Jul 2022
Owner complaints
127
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

13 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Tires

Free remedy

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."

TiresReported Jul 7, 2022NHTSA 22V482000

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

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.

Back over preventionReported Feb 22, 2022NHTSA 22V099000

Service brakes

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Feb 8, 2022NHTSA 22V066000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

127 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2016 – Oct 2026
  1. Fuel/propulsion system37
  2. Visibility/wiper21
  3. Engine17
  4. Tires15
  5. Electrical system10
  6. Steering9
  7. Wheels7
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Air bags3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Metris model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2016127
201729
201828
20199
20207
20211
20229
20232
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel/propulsion system

37 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11708574

Visibility/wiper

21 reports
“THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR PROVIDES INADEQUATE VISIBILITY TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MIRROR DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY CONVEX OR IMAGE SIZE ALTERING PROPERTIES TO IMPROVE BLIND SPOT VISIBILITY AS MOST VEHICLES DO.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 22, 2019Visibility/wiperODI 11171386

Engine

17 reports1 fire
“The check engine light came on and the code reads PO52e. Mercedes has a Intake Line Assembly Extended Emissions Warranty (Code P052E) up to 150,000 miles. They’ve admitted this was a problem with this engine but only covers 3 other vehicles with the identical platform, & excluded the Mercedes Metris”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11770316
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 7-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Metris (Cargo Van)
Auto 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212422$3,600396
Metris (Passenger Van)
Auto 7-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202322$3,600414
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Metris questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris have?

13 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris problems?

Owners filed 127 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (37), visibility/wiper (21), engine (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026