Recall 19V290 affects 9,471 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles because power-steering bolts can corrode and fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 9,471 2016-2017 Metris vans sold or ever registered in certain states because aluminum bolts for the power steering assist motor can corrode and fracture. A fractured bolt can reduce or remove power steering assist, requiring higher steering effort at low speeds; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear on the 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris uses an electric power steering assist motor to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheel. Aluminum bolts hold that assist motor to the gear housing, so the motor stays aligned with the steering gear while you steer and park.
On affected vans, moisture and road salt can reach the bolt connection. The Metris layout, underfloor covering, slower surface drying, and steering forces during parking can let salty brine work into small gaps around the aluminum bolts. Over time, that corrosion can weaken the bolts until they fracture. If the power pack separates from the steering gear, power steering assist is reduced or lost.
There is no warning sign before failure. If separation happens, the driver will immediately hear a noise and a warning light will turn on for the loss of power steering assist.
Who's affected?
The listed components separate the steering system from the electric power-assist system.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris | steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris | power steering system |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris | steering system |
| Units affected | 9,471 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the Metris harder to steer, especially at low speeds, and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before separation. If you hear sudden noise or see a steering warning light, pull over safely and call a Mercedes-Benz dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steel-bolt replacement that keeps the power steering assist motor secured to the gear housing.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V290 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially during low-speed turns that require more steering effort.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the aluminum bolts that attach the power steering assist motor to the steering gear housing with steel bolts. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved Metris vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 10, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 27, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| May 27, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 3, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 15, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V290?
Recall 19V290 covers 9,471 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans sold or ever registered in specific states and Washington DC. Aluminum bolts that attach the power-steering assist motor to the gear housing can corrode and fracture, reducing or eliminating power steering assist. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 19V290. If it is, call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the power-steering gear assist motor bolt replacement. Reference recall number 19V290 and Mercedes-Benz recall number VS2SCHRALU when you schedule service.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the safety defect at no cost. For recall 19V290, Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the aluminum bolts with steel bolts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds. If the corroded bolts fracture, the van can lose power steering assist. Steering still works, but it takes more force, which increases crash risk under NHTSA campaign 19V290.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz Metris used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your van is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 19V290 when you ask for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V290000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V290 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V290000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →