Fuel smell in the engine compartment and visible leaking fuel on the lower hoses per the federal safety agency 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.
2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system problems
38 complaints (30% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 30%
- typical mileage
- 35,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
Recall number 18V837000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Low Pressure Fuel Supply Hose Leak
On November 27, 2018, Daimler Vans USA, LLC submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to the federal safety agency 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 connection that feeds the high-pressure fuel pump or from a lower hose connection of the fuel transition hose between the underbody fuel line and the Shrader valve.The upper connection defect was caused by thermal aging of the hose material (Veritas hose), resulting in a loss of elasticity over time.The thermal aging of the hose leads to a progressive reduction of sealing performance, which is most evident at low ambient temperatures.The problem was corrected by changing to a hose with better material properties (ContiTech hose).The lower connection defect was caused by a manufacturing process problem, where the hose clamp may have been installed using an incorrect tool.The recall remedy involves replacing the upper and lower hoses and clamps, as necessary, and ensuring proper installation. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE18-002 to investigate nine (9) complaints (VOQs) reporting incidents of gasoline odor or leakage in nine (9) model year (MY) 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans (subject vehicles).Eight (8) of the VOQs indicated that the problem occurred in cold ambient temperatures, either during engine warm-up after a cold start or after the vehicle had been parked and shutoff. Two (2) of the consumers have indicated to ODI that the problems were diagnosed by dealer service technicians as the upper hose connection defect.As part of PE18-002, ODI analyzed information related to the incidents reported to the Office by consumers and analyzed the information provided by Daimler Vans in response to ODI's information request letter.The fuel hose leak field experience shown in the Failure Report section of this resume all involve vehicles covered by the Daimler Vans recall.This Preliminary Evaluation is closed with recall 18V‑837.VOQs associated with the investigation: 10936026, 10936184, 10991876, 11054491, 11057992, 11063437, 11063829, 11104437, 11138922, 11139024, 11140844, 1150262, 11152201.
PE18002
What 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 federal safety agency does not communicate to the complaint or direct mercedes to FIX the problem. What happened to Quality and Customer care?
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 the federal safety agency 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). This is a health and safety hazard and Mercedes should have a permanent fix, not give us a part that needs regular expensive maintenance.
Intake line assembly Crank case ventilation system PCV valve failure
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.
Crank case ventilation valve failure and a common issue for this model. Code: P052E Failed NJ motor vehicle inspection due to emissions code: P052E
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.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CODE P052E(71) Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance Malfunction.
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.
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.
Questions about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris, 30% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V837000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
Other 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris problems
Visibility 22Engine 18Tires 15Electrical 10Steering 9Wheels 7Brakes 4Driver assistance 4Airbags 3Body 3Seat belts 3Acceleration 2Suspension 1Transmission 1
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