Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris problems
Owners filed 127 complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris with NHTSA between Apr 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (37).
Complaints
127
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Fuel/propulsion system37
- Visibility/wiper21
- Engine17
- Tires15
- Electrical system10
- Steering9
- Wheels7
- Service brakes4
- Air bags3
- Seat belts3
- Structure3
- Lane departure2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Visibility2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
15
16
26
8
5
2
9
18
17
8
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
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.”
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”
Tires
15 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Electrical system
10 reports1 fire3 related recalls
“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.”
Steering
9 reports2 related recalls
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.