2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Fuel system Problems

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. If you use the car infrequently, you will be more likely to have a leak.

NHTSA ID

11708574

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

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?

NHTSA ID

11695391

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

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). This is a health and safety hazard and Mercedes should have a permanent fix, not give us a part that needs regular expensive maintenance.

NHTSA ID

11669847

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Intake line assembly Crank case ventilation system PCV valve failure

NHTSA ID

11647923

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11631728

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

Crank case ventilation valve failure and a common issue for this model. Code: P052E Failed NJ motor vehicle inspection due to emissions code: P052E

NHTSA ID

11609347

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11608728

Incident

Sep 10, 2022

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CODE P052E(71) Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance Malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11591541

Incident

May 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11487847

Incident

Sep 23, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11483653

Incident

Mar 4, 2022

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. Mercedes has been unhelpful, I contacted them in 2021 to tell the dealer to fix it, they never followed up with me, I have put two formal complaints in recently: 3/11 and today, 3/17, with no response from Mercedes.

NHTSA ID

11457135

Incident

Apr 8, 2019

FUEL FUMES INSIDE CAB WHEN IDLING OR VERY SLOW MOVING TRAFFICS

NHTSA ID

11386047

Incident

Dec 21, 2020

VAN STALLED WHILE BACKING INTO STREET. THREW CODE P0627. SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. FIRST TIME DID NOT INCLUDE STALLING AND CODE CLEARED AFTER A COUPLE DAYS. REPORTING DUE TO STALLING WHILE MOVING IN ROAD.

NHTSA ID

11242712

Incident

Aug 8, 2019

Mileage

44,380 mi

I HAD THE 2016 FUEL LINE RECALL REPAIRED IN COCONUT FL BY THE MERCEDES DEALER - HOWEVER I CAN STILL SMELL GAS FUEL FUMES WHEN STANDING OUTSIDE THE STATIONARY DRIVERS DOOR. IT SMELLS JUST LIKE IT DID BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO TO REMEDY THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS CONTINUED FOR OVER A MONTH FOLLOWING THE RECALL REPAIR. IT IS NOW JUNE 2019 IT SCARES ME TO DRIVE IT. PLEASE CALL AND TELL ME WHAT TO DO. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN GREEENVILLE, SC - MY SUMMER HOME AND IS CLOSEST TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM IN CHARLOTTE NC. MY PHONE IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

NHTSA ID

11219729

Incident

May 6, 2019

STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE AND GAS LEAKS OUT ON GROUND. RISK OF FIRE IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOST WHEN WARMING IT UP OR AFTER PARKING IT.

NHTSA ID

11160526

Incident

Nov 23, 2018

THERE IS A MILD TO STRONG ODOR OF RAW GASOLINE WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNING. IT SEAMS STRONGER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS COLD . I HAVE DONE A CURSORY SEARCH AND HAVE FOUND THIS COMPLAINT FROM OTHER METRIS OWNERS AS WELL AS OTHER MB MODELS

NHTSA ID

11155162

Incident

May 10, 2018

Mileage

30,000 mi

RAW FUEL SMELL, LEAKING

NHTSA ID

11152201

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

Mileage

48,571 mi

STRONG GAS SMELL IN THE MORNINGS AFTER IT SITS OVERNIGHT IN MY GARAGE, ESPECIALLY ON COLD NIGHTS. IT GETS TRIGGERED WHEN WE OPEN A DOOR AND THE AIR STARTS CIRCULATING (BEFORE CAR IS TURNED ON). IT STARTED LAST WINTER AND IS HAPPENING STILL. I'M GETTING A LITTLE LIGHT-HEADED SOME MORNINGS, ESPECIALLY WHEN I CAN'T OPEN THE WINDOWS (LIKE WHEN IT'S RAINING)

NHTSA ID

11150262

Incident

Nov 9, 2018

Mileage

26,000 mi

THERE IS A FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MERCEDES REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT'S LEAKING SOMEWHERE ELSE AND IT'S NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. IT'S AN EMISSIONS ISSUE(RAW FUEL LEAK) AND A FIRE HAZARD. CHECKING THE INTERNET IT SEEMS THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM W/O A COMMON CURE.

NHTSA ID

11142444

Incident

Oct 24, 2018

Mileage

35,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE DURING COOLER WEATHER. AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR AWHILE, THE ODOR WENT AWAY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *TT*JB

NHTSA ID

11140844

Incident

Oct 18, 2017

Mileage

59,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. I TOOK IT FOR THE SERVICE AT MERCEDES BENZ IN OXNARD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING. I STILL HAVE NO UPDATE ON MY VEHICLE AFTER A WEEK OF LEAVING MY CAR AT THEIR SHOT. NO ONE HAS CALLED ME TO UPDATED WAS GOING ON TO MY CAR. I NEED MY CAR FIX. PLEASE HELP ME.

NHTSA ID

11139024

Incident

Sep 28, 2018

STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN DRIVING AND SITTING STILL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE SMELL STARTED WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGE TO 47-50 DEGREES. ITS A CONSTANT STRONG GASOLINE SMELL.

NHTSA ID

11138922

Incident

Oct 5, 2018

Mileage

4,700 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. I TOOK IT FOR A SERVICE AT MERCEDES BENZ AND THEY SAID THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING. I STILL HAVE NO UPDATE ON MY VEHICLE AFTER A WEEK OF LEAVING MY CAR AT THEIR SHOP. NO ONE HAS CALLED ME TO FOLLOW UP ON MY CAR.

NHTSA ID

11133599

Incident

Sep 28, 2018

Mileage

12,000 mi

THERE IS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR UNDER HOOD AFTER VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN COLD WEATHER (UNDER ~45F). I CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM IN MY CITY DUE TO WEATHER BEING TOO WARM.

NHTSA ID

11114577

Incident

Jul 30, 2018

Mileage

62,000 mi

VEHICLE NOT RUNNING, SAT OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY, TEMPERATURES IN THE 30SF, STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AROUND THE VEHICLE HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. THE DATE AND MILEAGE ARE APPROXIMATIONS. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE PRECISE DATES. IT WAS THIS PAST WINTER. IT WAS ONLY AFTER READING OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I DECIDED TO FILE A REPORT

NHTSA ID

11104437

Incident

Feb 14, 2018

Mileage

19,000 mi