NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris has 14 recalls, the most serious involving brake system failures that can cause fluid to leak and significantly reduce stopping ability, and a driveshaft defect that can trigger front airbag deployment without a crash.
The brake concerns cover two separate issues: a brake fluid reservoir that can detach from its mount, and, on right-hand drive models, loose fittings between the steel brake lines and rubber brake hoses at the front and rear axles, either of which can cause a sudden loss of fluid and reduced braking. The driveshaft problem stems from the shaft not being properly secured to its intermediate bearing, causing vibrations that the airbag control unit can misread as a collision and fire the front airbags unexpectedly. There is also a fuel hose connection that can loosen where the hoses meet the engine, creating a fuel leak that raises the risk of fire if an ignition source is nearby.
On the safety equipment side, front and rear head restraints on certain vehicles may have missing or improperly fitted spring pins, allowing the upholstery carrier or the housing itself to come loose in a crash. The backup battery under the front passenger seat may lack a cover, leaving terminals exposed to dropped metal objects and a potential short circuit and fire. Electric power steering assist can cut out unexpectedly due to a faulty internal sensor. Two recalls address the emergency call system failing to transmit the correct location or connect at all after a crash, and some vehicles may have been delivered with an owner's manual that does not match the vehicle's actual features.
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At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated for free through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel hoses connecting to the engine may not be securely fastened, potentially causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel hose connections and replace the clamps and hoses as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid reservoir may be incorrectly mounted, allowing it to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake fluid reservoir mounting at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your correct vehicle location to emergency services when the automatic emergency call system activates after a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the communication module software for the emergency call system at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake line fittings connecting rigid steel lines to brake hoses at the front and rear axles may not be properly installed, potentially causing brake fluid leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and correct the brake line fittings at connection points, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The propeller shaft may not be securely fastened to the intermediate bearing, causing wear and vibration that the airbag control unit could misinterpret as a crash, triggering unintended airbag deployment.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will mail you instructions to have a dealer inspect the propeller shaft and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driveshaft may not be properly attached to the intermediate bearing, causing excessive wear to the driveshaft joint and excessive vibrations.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup battery compartment under the front passenger seat may lack a cover, leaving the battery exposed when the seat moves forward.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the battery compartment at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Vehicles missed final quality inspection at the reassembly plant, leaving safety-related parts and bolt connections unchecked. Unknown safety risks may exist.
What the fix does
Vehicle returns to reassembly plant for complete inspection and any needed repairs at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front and/or rear seat head restraints may not be properly assembled, allowing the housing to come loose or detach.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will mail owners instructions to bring their vehicle to a dealer for head restraint replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The head restraint on your seat may be missing its spring pin or have an improperly installed spring pin, which could cause it to fail to function correctly.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace your head restraints at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The printed operator's manual delivered with the vehicle does not match the vehicle's actual features and operating instructions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the information package including the printed operator's manual, maintenance booklet, and information sheets at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A sensor inside the electric power steering unit may have been made incorrectly, which could cause the power steering assist to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris vehicles skipped the final quality inspection at the plant, leaving safety-critical parts and bolts potentially unchecked.
What the fix does
Dealers will perform the final quality inspection of safety-relevant parts and bolt connections at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
