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2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Metris Cargo[1], but the model year also has 8 recalls[2]. If you own or plan to buy one, the recall list deserves more attention than the complaints.
Reported problems
NHTSA lists 7 owner complaints for this model year, and none of them mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.
The complaints are spread across a few groups:
In the complaint texts we read, owners describe three things. One owner describes a control unit that had to be replaced after moisture damage, and says the maker did not cover the repair[4]. Owners describe losing power steering help while driving, with a warning message, and one ties it to hitting a bump[5]. Owners also describe tires that wear out early and a van that will not hold its alignment[6].
The groups are small, so none of these can be called a typical failure of the 2020 Metris. They are things to ask about and look for on a test drive.
Recalls
NHTSA shows 8 recalls for this model year[2]. They are listed here from newest to oldest. Each remedy is described as available in the recall notice, at no cost to the owner. Some recalls only name certain vehicles, so ask a dealer to confirm that yours is covered.
- Air bag control unit (26V070). Water can collect on the air bag control unit, so the air bags may not deploy as intended, which raises the risk of injury in a crash. It names certain right-hand-drive vehicles. Dealers install a cover on the unit at no cost, and owner letters began going out in April 2026[8].
- Rearview camera (25V463). Loose electrical connections for the infotainment system can stop the rearview camera image from showing, which cuts the driver's view behind the van. Dealers inspect and repair the connection as needed, at no cost[9].
- Emergency call, SIM software (22V360). A software error can cut the mobile connection and disable the emergency call system, which could delay help after a crash. The fix is a software update, sent over the air or done by a dealer, at no cost[10].
- Fuel hoses (22V134). The upper and lower fuel hose connections at the engine may not be secure. A leak near a spark could cause a fire. Dealers inspect the connections and replace clamps and hose as needed, at no cost[11].
- Brake fluid reservoir (22V066). The reservoir may be mounted wrongly and could come loose and leak brake fluid, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers inspect and repair the mounting as needed, at no cost[12].
- Emergency call, location (21V055). A software design problem may send the wrong crash location to the emergency call system, so responders could be sent to the wrong place. Dealers update the communication module software at no cost[13].
- Brake line fittings (20V729). Fittings between the steel brake lines and the brake hoses may not be installed correctly, which can leak brake fluid and hurt braking. It names certain right-hand-drive vehicles. Dealers check the fittings and correct them as needed, at no cost[14].
- Backup battery cover (19V715). The backup battery compartment under the front passenger seat may lack a cover. Metal falling in could short the terminals and raise the risk of a fire. The recall text names 2016 to 2019 vehicles, yet it is on file for this model year. Dealers fit a cover at no cost[15].
Fuel economy
EPA lists several versions, all with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, Automatic 7-spd, premium fuel and rear-wheel drive[16][3][17][18][19].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Van[16] | 20 / 24 / 21 | $3,900 |
| Cargo Van[3] | 21 / 24 / 22 | $3,750 |
| Cargo Van, LWB[17] | 21 / 24 / 22 | $3,750 |
| Cargo Van (second listing)[18] | 20 / 24 / 22 | $3,750 |
| Cargo Van, LWB (second listing)[19] | 20 / 24 / 22 | $3,750 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the van was new.
Engine and size
The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine at 208 hp[20]. For the cargo van, the specifications are:
- Length: 202 in[21]
- Width: 76 in[21]
- Height: 74 in[21]
- Wheelbase: 126 in[21]
- Curb weight: 4,222 lb[21]
These are Canadian-market specifications, so a US van can differ slightly[21].
How 2020 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 this model, by model year, are 2016: 127 complaints and 13 recalls, 2017: 29 and 14, 2018: 28 and 10, 2019: 9 and 12, 2020: 7 and 8, 2021: 1 and 7, 2022: 9 and 5, and 2023: 2 and 4[2].
2020 has fewer complaints than 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, and more than 2021 and 2023. Its 8 recalls are fewer than 2016 through 2019 and more than 2021 through 2023[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2020 Metris Cargo?
The complaint record is light, with 7 reports and no crashes, fires or injuries[1]. The recall list is long and touches brakes, fuel hoses and air bags, so a buyer should ask for proof that each one was done[8][11][12][14]. Ask whether your vehicle is covered by the right-hand-drive recalls[8][14]. On a test drive, pay attention to steering feel and tire wear, which owners describe in their complaints[5][6]. Our data does not cover towing, cargo space or safety ratings, so check those elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
- How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo have?
- NHTSA shows 8 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover the air bag control unit, rearview camera, two emergency call software faults, fuel hoses, brake fluid reservoir, brake line fittings and a backup battery cover[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Metris Cargo?
- NHTSA has 7 complaints, spread evenly across electrical, steering, wheels and unknown or other, with 2 each[1][4][7][5][6]. The numbers are too small to name a typical failure.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2020 Metris Cargo?
- EPA rates the cargo van at 22 MPG combined, with 20 or 21 city and 24 highway, and it takes premium fuel[3][17][18][19]. The passenger van is rated 21 MPG combined[16].
- Is the 2020 Metris Cargo more reliable than other years?
- It has fewer complaints than 2016 to 2019 and 2022, and more than 2021 and 2023[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is only a rough comparison.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 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
- 2 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V070, filed February 6, 2026: Air Bags › Air Bag / Restraint Control Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V463, filed July 11, 2025: Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen / Monitor / Unit. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V360, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V134, filed March 8, 2022: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. 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 20V729, filed November 24, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V715, filed October 8, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Metris (Passenger Van), 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Metris (Cargo Van, LWB), 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
- EPA rating for Metris (Cargo Van), 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Metris (Cargo Van, LWB), 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 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