Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Reliability Report
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has mixed reliability. Eight recalls and reports of sudden power steering loss are the main reasons to be careful.
Recalls
8
Complaints
7
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$908
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mid-pack among Metris years, with eight recalls and owner reports of fast tire wear, sudden power steering loss and a costly moisture-damaged control unit.
Top Issues to Watch
- WHEELS (2)
- STEERING (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 5 of the Third generation (W447).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 3rd generation Metris Passenger Van (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2016: Third generation (W447) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 5 of the Third generation (W447).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van?
Reliability for this model year is mixed, and it sits in the middle of the five scored Metris years. The 2019 and 2021 vans rate about the same, so neither neighboring year looks like the safer pick.
Recalls are the bigger concern. Federal records list eight, covering the electrical system, hydraulic service brakes, the gasoline fuel system, back over prevention and air bags. Owner complaints are few but specific. Factory tires reportedly wore to an unsafe state by about 12,000 miles, and one owner needs new tires about every 7k miles. Power steering assist can cut out with no warning, once at highway speed. One owner paid about $2,700 after moisture and mold ruined an electronic control unit, reportedly not covered by warranty.
Before buying, ask for proof that every recall was completed. Check the tires and alignment, and ask whether the control unit has been replaced or the steering has ever shown a malfunction message.
Compared to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Low complaint frequency
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 7 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −WHEELS: Tires wear out far too fast, and the alignment will not stay put (2 complaints)
- −STEERING: Power steering assist cuts out while driving, leaving the van much harder to... (2 complaints)
Compare 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van With
2020 Chrysler Voyager
Reliability: 77/100
2020 Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability: 64/100
2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
Reliability: 83/100
2020 Ford Transit Connect Wagon
Reliability: 67/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 8 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- WHEELS (2)
- STEERING (2)
Recall Overview
8
recalls on record
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Recall Details
8 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The integrated backup battery compartment located underneath the front passenger's seat may not have its own cover, potentially exposing the battery when the seat is moved forward.
Consequence
If conductive material, such as metal, unintentionally drops into the opening and contacts the terminals on the battery, an electrical short can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the battery compartment area, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on December 2, 2019. The recall began March 9, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SITZAB.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris right-hand drive vehicles. The screwed fittings between the rigid steel brake lines routed through the underbody of the vehicle and the brake hoses in the area of the front and rear axles may not have been correctly installed.
Consequence
The connection between the brake line and the brake hose may leak, causing a sudden loss of brake fluids, impacting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the affected fittings at the connection points of the brake lines to the brake hoses, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2BREMPOS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris and 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence
Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy
DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software communication module for the automatic emergency call system, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VSXHERMPOS.
Buying a used 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van? Check its history first
Wheels problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van, and 8 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger VanRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$908
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Door Lock Actuator Replacement | $881 – $1,052 |
| Engine Mount Replacement | $926 – $1,211 |
| Liftgate Support Strut Replacement | $1,197 – $1,603 |
| Engine Mount Replacement | $787 – $1,072 |
| Air Bag Control Module Replacement | $422 – $479 |
| Power Seat Motor Replacement | $1,275 – $1,468 |
| AC Condenser Replacement | $1,485 – $1,770 |
| Gas Cap Replacement | $109 – $123 |
| Engine Mount Replacement | $4,228 – $5,809 |
| General Diagnosis | $153 – $224 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van.
Check tread depth across each tire, including inner edges, and look for uneven or rapid wear.
Compare the tire size and load rating on the sidewalls with Mercedes-Benz's current recommendation for the van.
Ask for alignment and tire replacement receipts, and be wary of frequent tire purchases.
Drive over bumps and at highway speed, and watch for a power steering malfunction message or heavier steering.
Have a dealer scan for stored steering and control unit fault codes before buying.
Ask whether the control unit has been replaced for condensation or mold, and request the repair records.
Look for dampness, water stains, or a musty smell inside the cabin.
Shift into reverse and confirm the rearview camera shows a clear, steady image.
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Common Problems by Component
7 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
WHEELS
2 complaintsTires wear out far too fast, and the alignment will not stay put. Reports describe the factory tires wearing to an unsafe state by about 12,000 miles, even with correct pressures and no tire-pressure warning. Another owner needs new tires roughly every 7k miles. Some owners believe the original tires are the wrong size and load rating for the van. Badly worn tires raise the risk of a blowout and a crash. With only 2 complaints, the pattern is narrow but consistent.
STEERING
2 complaintsPower steering assist cuts out while driving, leaving the van much harder to steer. One loss happened at highway speed. Another followed hitting a bump. A dashboard message reading "power steering malfunction" appears, sometimes with a chime and a red service warning, but there is no warning beforehand. Sudden loss of assist creates a real loss-of-control risk, especially at speed or in traffic. The 2 complaints on file give no mileage pattern.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsMoisture builds up around an electronic control unit, and condensation grows mold on it until the unit has to be replaced. The reported repair costs about $2,700 in parts and labor. It reportedly was not covered under warranty and involves fitting a new unit with a plastic bag over it for protection. In one report the failure came after about a year of ownership. A separate complaint reports a broken rearview camera with no further detail.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintRear view camera control module broken. This causes rear view camera to be stuck in the housing and inoperable, so this is a safety issue. The rear view camera system was installed improperly. Instead of in the rear door panel, the control module was installed in the right side D panel. Additionally, it was not secured properly but was just placed loosely in a plastic bag. Rear view camera system available for inspection upon request. I know for a fact that this is the case with other new 2020 Mercedes Metris. Additional information available upon request. I have had multiple conversations with MB Santa Rosa, CA and MB Wilsonville, OR and they have not been helpful. They expect me to pay for the part, even though MB did not install it properly. They refuse to fix the rear view camera system and restore it to factory specifications.
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Years
Best Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreMercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Years to Avoid
Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 52/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Reliability Compared to Other Years
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Common Questions
10 questions from 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van owners.
Parasitic voltage draw slk350 2007
Bought new amg h6 voltage drops to 12 in one c week More than a week
Speedometer not working
no movement ABS and ASR lights on Started today
Cam Magnet Leak
2008 Mercedes SL550. The right passenger side Cam magnet is leaking. What is the recommended repair for this? Acceleration More than a year
C300 Turn signal flashes 3 times then goes out dash says check left turn signal
Every time I start the car, the lights are fine and no messages in dash. As soon as I use the left turn signal, it flashes 3 times then goes out. Dash says check left turn signal. The same thing applies to one of the two front parking lights on each headlight unit (left and right) and and the left side indicator. I can drive all day with no problem but as soon as the automatic headlights come on the parking lights and side maker come on briefly then go out and I get messages for each on dash. Replaced both headlight/turn signal units and the exact same issue persists. Turn it off and it starts all over. Maybe unrelated but when I use rear defroster radio gets static; also volume knob in center dash is inconsistant but the volume buttons on the steering wheel work fine. More than a year
Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise
Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN have power steering problems?
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN have?
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN better than the 2019 or 2021?
Don’t buy a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van does best on recall impact (60/100) and worst on repair costs (50/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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