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2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2016 Metris Cargo has 127 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and 13 recalls[2]. That is far more complaints than any other year of this van, so check recall status and ask about fuel smell before you buy or keep one.
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 127 owner complaints for this van[1]. They mention 0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury and 0 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts. Here are the four named component groups with the most complaints.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system[4] | 37 |
| Visibility/wiper[5] | 21 |
| Engine[6] | 18 |
| Tires[7] | 15 |
Fuel smell. In the sample of 12 fuel complaints we read, all 12 describe gasoline smell or a fuel leak. Eight of them say it shows up in cold or cool weather. Some owners mention a fuel hose or line, and some describe several dealer visits without a fix. The median mileage at failure for the group is 35,000, and none of the 37 complaints name a crash, fire or injury[4]. Recall 18V837 covers a fuel hose leak on this model year[8], so read the recall section below.
Mirrors and blind spots. In the sample of 12 visibility complaints we read, all 12 are about the side mirrors[5]. Owners describe them as small and flat, with a big blind spot on the passenger side. This is a van with no side windows, which owners say makes it worse. The group has 21 complaints and a median mileage at failure of 1,350, so the typical report in this group came at very low mileage[5].
Engine. The engine group has 18 complaints, a median mileage at failure of 52,000 and 1 fire[6]. In the sample of 12 engine complaints we read[6], 7 describe a check engine light tied to a crankcase ventilation valve code, and owners call the repair expensive. Three describe a damaged timing chain. Two describe gas smell or a fuel hose leak filed under the engine[6].
Tires. The tires group has 15 complaints[7]. In the sample of 12 tire complaints we read[7], 11 are owners waiting for parts for recall 22V482[9]. Three describe tires wearing out fast or being replaced again and again, and two describe a tire bursting on the road[7].
The groups below those four are smaller: steering with 9 complaints[10], electrical system with 10[11] and wheels with 7[12]. Another 15 complaints are filed under unknown or other[13].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2016 model year[2]. All 13 are below, newest first[2]. Some cover more model years or other vans, but each one includes the 2016 Metris. Recalls are repaired free of charge. Ask a dealer to check a specific van's VIN to see which are done.
- Tire load label (22V482). The maximum load weight value for the tires was wrong, so the vans did not meet a federal tire and loading rule. An overloaded van could have a tire failure and crash. Dealers install corrected labels on the B-pillar and fuel filler door and replace incorrect tires as needed. It covers 24,359 vans and owner letters began going out April 19, 2024[9].
- Rearview camera (22V099). A faulty memory chip can freeze the camera image, so the screen may not show what is behind the van. That raises the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the camera. It covers 17,093 vans[14].
- Brake fluid reservoir (22V066). The reservoir may be mounted wrong and could come loose, leaking brake fluid and raising crash risk. Dealers inspect and repair the mounting as needed. It covers 28,743 vans[15].
- Emergency call software (21V055). The communication module may send the wrong location for the emergency call system after a crash, so help could be sent to the wrong place. Dealers update the software. It covers 84,345 vehicles, including some Sprinters[16].
- Backup battery cover (19V715). The backup battery under the front passenger seat may have no cover. A metal object could touch the terminals and cause a short, which raises fire risk. Dealers install covers. It covers 15,160 vans[17].
- Power steering bolts (19V290). Aluminum bolts holding the power steering motor can corrode and break, reducing or removing power steering help. Steering then takes more effort, especially at low speed. Dealers swap in steel bolts. It covers 9,471 vans sold or registered in certain states[18].
- Fuel hose (18V837). A fuel hose in the engine bay may leak at a connection point. A leak near an ignition source raises fire risk. Dealers replace the hose and clamp. It covers 12,383 vans and was expected to begin January 25, 2019[8].
- Transmission support (18V335). The transmission support may not be tightened properly and could damage the driveshaft. That could cut power to the wheels and raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the bolts and replace or tighten them. It covers 7,433 vans[19].
- Power steering control unit (17V595). Poorly welded pins in the steering control unit can lose contact and switch off power steering help. The fix is a new electric steering rack. It covers 3 vans[20]. A second notice goes to owners when parts become available[20].
- Software conflict (17V272). Software updates installed during service may clash with other computers, which can affect stability control, the air bag unit or engine software. Dealers update the control units. It covers 3 vehicles[21].
- Seat belt pretensioners (17V244). The front pretensioners may not work properly in a crash, so occupants may not be held as well. Dealers replace the front seat belts. It covers 305 vans[22]. Owners were told in July 2017 that the remedy was available[22].
- Blind spot monitor (17V148). Some vans were meant to have the blind spot monitor, but the installed instrument cluster and steering wheel do not support it, so it does not work. Dealers install the right parts. It covers 72 vans[23]. The recall began May 26, 2017[23].
- Rear differential (16V342). Rear differential gears may have been welded badly and could fail, cutting power to the wheels. Dealers replace the gears. It covers 2 vans built in a set window in late 2015[24].
Fuel economy
EPA rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with a 7-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive at 21 mpg city, 24 highway and 22 combined[3]. It needs premium fuel. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,750, using its current fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the van was new[3].
Engine and size
The EPA test list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 208 hp[25]. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans[26].
| Measurement | Cargo van |
|---|---|
| Length | 202 in |
| Width | 76 in |
| Height | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 126 in |
| Curb weight | 4,222 lb |
Source for the table:[26].
How 2016 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 127 | 13 |
| 2017 | 29 | 14 |
| 2018 | 28 | 10 |
| 2019 | 9 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 | 8 |
| 2021 | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 | 9 | 5 |
| 2023 | 2 | 4 |
NHTSA's counts for each Metris Cargo model year show 2016 well ahead on complaints[2].
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016[2] | 127 | 13 |
| 2017[2] | 29 | 14 |
| 2018[2] | 28 | 10 |
| 2019[2] | 9 | 12 |
| 2020[2] | 7 | 8 |
| 2021[2] | 1 | 7 |
| 2022[2] | 9 | 5 |
| 2023[2] | 2 | 4 |
2016 has the most complaints of any year listed. On recalls it is second, behind 2017 with 14[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold[2].
Should you buy a used 2016 Metris Cargo?
This year has more complaints than any other Metris Cargo year and 13 recalls, so do your homework[1][2]. Before buying, ask a dealer to run the VIN and confirm every recall above is done, including the tire label recall[9]. Ask about fuel smell and check engine light history, since those are the themes in the complaint samples we read[4][6]. Take a drive with the mirrors in mind, because the visibility complaints are about the side mirrors[5]. The EPA rating of 22 combined mpg with premium fuel is a running cost to weigh as well[3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo?
- Fuel/propulsion has the most NHTSA complaints at 37, then visibility/wiper at 21, engine at 18 and tires at 15[4][5][6][7]. In the samples we read, owners describe fuel smell, small flat side mirrors, a check engine light and tire recall waits.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Metris Cargo have?
- NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2016 model year[2]. The newest is 22V482 for the tire load label[9].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Metris Cargo?
- EPA rates it at 21 city, 24 highway and 22 combined mpg, with premium fuel[3].
- How much horsepower does the 2016 Metris Cargo have?
- The EPA test list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 208 hp[25].
- Is 2016 a bad year for the Metris Cargo?
- It has the most complaints of any year listed, 127 against 29 for 2017, and 13 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat it as a reason to check, not a verdict.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 127 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo (0 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Metris (Cargo Van), 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 37 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,350). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 18V837, filed November 29, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V482, filed July 7, 2022: Tires. NHTSA recall database
- 9 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 22V099, filed February 22, 2022: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V066, filed February 8, 2022: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V055, filed February 5, 2021: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V715, filed October 8, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V290, filed April 10, 2019: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V335, filed May 22, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V595, filed September 22, 2017: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V272, filed April 21, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V244, filed April 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V148, filed March 7, 2017: Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V342, filed May 24, 2016: Power Train › Axle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA Test Car List, 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 208 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, METRIS CARGO VAN: length 202 in, width 76 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,222 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov