Recall 18V497 affects 6 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans for loose driveshaft securing bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6 2017-2018 Metris vans because the drive shaft securing bolts can loosen at the automatic transmission flange. If the bolts fall out, the driveshaft can separate and cause loss of drive, which raises crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The drive shaft on a 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris carries power from the automatic transmission toward the wheels. It connects at the transmission flange, a flat mounting face where securing bolts clamp the shaft to the transmission output. That connection has to stay tight so the driveline turns smoothly without extra movement.
On affected Metris vans, corrosion on the transmission flange came from components exposed to weather during logistics. The corroded flange was installed, and that rough surface can reduce the clamp load that holds the drive shaft securing bolts tight. As the bolts loosen, the shaft-to-transmission joint moves instead of staying fixed, creating noise and vibration under the vehicle.
The warning signs are significant noise from underneath the van and vibration from the loosened connection between the transmission flange and propeller shaft. If you notice those symptoms, describe them to a Mercedes-Benz dealer as driveline noise and vibration near the transmission.
Who's affected?
The scope is split across two power train component labels: driveline and automatic transmission.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | driveline |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose driveshaft bolts can let the driveshaft separate, causing loss of drive and increasing crash risk. Significant under-vehicle noise or vibration is a warning sign; if that happens, stop using the van and call the dealer before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free transmission-flange bolt replacement that keeps the driveshaft secured.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V497 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the van is safe to drive before the appointment, since loose driveshaft bolts can cause loss of drive.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the transmission flange and securing bolts, then cleans the shaft seal. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the repair is free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 3, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 28, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V497?
Recall 18V497 covers 6 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans with drive shaft securing bolts that can loosen at the automatic transmission flange. If the bolts fall out, the driveshaft can separate and cause a loss of drive, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the transmission flange and securing bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 18V497. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the repair. Reference recall number 18V497 when you call. The dealer will replace the transmission flange and securing bolts for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete this recall repair free of charge. The remedy includes replacing the transmission flange and securing bolts, plus cleaning the shaft seal.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive. If the drive shaft securing bolts loosen and fall out, the driveshaft can separate from the automatic transmission flange. That loss of drive increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your van is included.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz Metris used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris is covered if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then give recall number 18V497 to the Mercedes-Benz dealer when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V497000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V497 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V497000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →