Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In 2019, the fuel line was recalled for my Mercedes Benz Metris. I had this fixed and it was ok for a while. In 2020, it started smelling like gas again. We moved out of state in 2020 and in 2021 I took it into my local dealership to have them look at it. They replaced the fuel line again. Since then, it has smelled like gas badly. It gives me headaches and I feel unsafe driving it. The dealership told me last time that this would not be covered under the initial recall from 2017 but they fixed it "goodwill." I do not understand how this could NOT be covered since the issue is still not rectified. I absolutely need to get this fixed correctly as the smell is very very bad and I worry that fuel may be leaking into compartments somewhere that could cause a fire. I am concerned for my safety every time I drive it for my business. …
There was a fuel smell emanating from the engine compartment during the vehicle pre-start routine (fuel pump priming). The dealership determined this to be a leak in the lower fuel hose to fuel line of the service connection per NHTSA Campaign Number 18V837000, however they refused to cover the cost of the repair because the recall work was previously completed in 2019. Corporate Mercedes Benz USA also refused to extend any goodwill toward this repair despite acknowledging it is the recall issue because the work was done once and is now considered out of warranty. Recall 18V-837 only requires authorized dealer to inspect and replace as necessary, so I don't know if the previously completed recall work on my van actually resulted in replaced parts or not (I bought this van used after the recall work order was completed). …
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. …
It has been two years after posting an issue with engine light on indicating the error code p052e which is a known problem on many models mercedes has. This metris van is not a passenger van but a commercial van. It has however the SAME engine and SAME error code as all the models mercedes having this engine. It is stated that it is under warranty by mercedes up to 150k, with the exception of the commercial van. This is ludicrous and a failure to correct a known defect and expecting the customer to pay the bill. It is also disturbing that the NHTSA does not communicate to the complaint or direct mercedes to FIX the problem. What happened to Quality and Customer care?
New heavy fuel odor in cab. I wonder how much fuel I am leaking. Where is the fuel that is being leaked out go? On a hot exaust system? Fuel line was replaced once by MB dealer. I think they used the same defective fuel line to replace the first one. One of the last times the van was in at the dealer they "didn't have time" to check the fuel line complaint. And there is no mention of my request in the service writers document that says I wanted it checked out.
The Crankcase ventilation valve called (Crankcase Rebreather)comes with a defect making engine light to come on after about an average of 50.000 miles, with a code p052e, preventing passing state vehicle inspection. Feedback from many Metris ownership highlights exact same challenge with engine light turned on at all times. But dealership is charging up to 3.000 dollars to remove their own faulty designed part.
The fuel line is leaking again. I have had this replaced three times already. Once under warranty and twice out-of-pocket. Why wasn't the MY2016 included in the recall? The raw fuel smell permeates the cabin and is nauseating. This is a safety issue were something needs to be done for a permanent fix before someone dies in a fiery death.
there is couple knocking sound and noises from the engine and vehicle shaking intermittently and lack of power after engine knocking sound. smell gas leaking and dealer did Fuel hose performed inspection found lower fuel hose from tank to high pressure pump leaking causing fuel leaks. replace fuel hose and clamps.
Major fuel leak from fuel hose feeding the high pressure fuel pump. We had it towed to a Mercedes dealership to have it repaired. They reported that the c-class model sedans are experiencing the same issue. The mb Metris has a c-class engine and the same components.the dealership is just replacing the hose for the fix but really has no explanation of why it is happening. The part is on backorder from Germany due to so many experiencing this issue. I now am finding out that this has been a known issue but is being kept quiet. I have also seen many complaints on the mb Metris forums about the same fuel leak issue.we noticed the problem when we started our car to let it warm up in the morning. The vehicle was stationary and the transmission was in the parked position. I came back outside and noticed a strong fuel smell. I looked under the car and noticed the fuel leak. …
Mercedes Metris van fuel smell while vehicle was at idle warming up for winter driving. Gas was seeping from "porous gas line" was what I was told from dealership and that this only happened to two other vehicles in America. Unfortunately, our company bought multiple vehicles and we have three with the exact same problem. Mercedes does not have parts readily available in the states and the fuel line has to be manufactured in Germany. Plan on being without your vehicle for an extended period of time. There are multiple forums on the web illustrating this problem. If you smell gas outside your Metris I suggest taking it in right away.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The fuel hose in the engine compartment may leak at the lower connecting point of the transition hose, between the underbody fuel line and the Schrader valve and/or where the fuel line connects to the fuel pump.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected hose and clamp, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.
NHTSA investigations
Low Pressure Fuel Supply Hose Leak
On November 27, 2018, Daimler Vans USA, LLC submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing two engine compartment fuel hose connection defects in certain model year (MY) 2016 and 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles (Recall 18V-837).The recall scope includes approximately 12,383 Metris vehicles manufactured from March 2, 2015 (SOP) to March 15, 2017.The defects may result in leakage from an upper hose…
Fuel System complaints in other Metris years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris, 30% of the model year's 127 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-837 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Nov 29, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.