2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Safety Report

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris has a limited safety data profile from NHTSA, with only 1 total complaint, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported. This low complaint volume makes it challenging to identify widespread issues through owner reports alone. However, the vehicle has been subject to 7 safety recalls, indicating several potential manufacturing or design flaws identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. These recalls address critical safety components, suggesting a proactive approach to rectifying potential hazards. The recall history reveals a range of significant issues. For instance, recalls address potential fuel leaks (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) which could lead to fire, and a fuel pump shutdown (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) that could cause a loss of drive power. Brake system integrity was also a concern, with a recall for an incorrectly mounted brake fluid reservoir (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID) that could detach and leak. Furthermore, occupant safety was targeted with recalls for improperly welded front passenger seat frames (SEATS) and faulty automatic locking retractor seat belt assemblies (SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR), both increasing injury risk in a crash. The single owner complaint directly relates to a recall concerning the rearview image not displaying due to infotainment system electrical connections (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT), highlighting a delay in recall part availability. Despite the numerous recalls, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A, Side=N/A, Rollover=N/A) means there is no independent performance data on how the vehicle protects occupants in various crash scenarios. The low number of owner complaints, coupled with the significant number of recalls, suggests that while individual owners may not be reporting widespread issues, the manufacturer has identified and is addressing several critical safety concerns. The overall safety picture is thus mixed: low reported incidents but a notable recall history for fundamental safety systems.

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but significant number of critical safety recalls, potential buyers should ensure all 7 recalls have been completed by a Mercedes-Benz dealer before purchase, and be aware of the lack of independent crash test data.