Recall 19V489 affects 2 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles for unexpected loss of power steering assist. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2 2018-2019 Metris vans because an internal sensor in the electric power steering unit was improperly manufactured. The defect can cause an unexpected loss of power steering assist, which increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering unit on the 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris helps turn steering input into assisted movement at the front wheels. A small internal sensor tells the steering unit the operating position of the electric motor, so the system knows how much power assist to provide. Without that signal, the van still has mechanical steering, but the assist system is no longer doing its normal work.
On affected Metris vans, that internal sensor was not built to specification. The steering unit can lose its ability to detect the motor's operating position and then shut off electric power steering support. When assist drops out, the driver has to use more force to steer, especially at low speeds or while parking.
If the power steering assist fails, the driver will see a warning message in the instrument cluster. That message is the warning sign to treat the steering problem as active and have the steering unit replaced.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same steering-system component.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris | steering system |
| Units affected | 2 |
| 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 van harder to steer and increases the risk of a crash. A warning message appears in the instrument cluster if the power steering fails. If that message appears, pull over safely 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 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering-unit replacement that fixes the power steering assist loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V489 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete and leave extra room for steering if power assist shuts off.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the electric power steering unit covered by recall 19V489. The steering unit replacement and labor are free under the recall. Because all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty, Mercedes-Benz is not providing a separate reimbursement program for repairs before the recall notice. If you already paid for related steering work, ask the service desk how the new vehicle warranty applies to your paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 25, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| June 25, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 25, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 2, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V489?
Recall 19V489 covers 2 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans with an internal sensor in the electric power steering unit that was improperly manufactured. The defect can deactivate power steering assist, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the steering unit for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 19V489. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering unit replacement. Reference recall 19V489 and Mercedes-Benz recall number VS2LENKEPS when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the affected steering unit free of charge. The recall repair has been available since July 2, 2019.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V489?
The safety risk is an unexpected loss of power steering assist. If the electric assist shuts off, steering effort increases and crash risk increases, especially during low-speed turns or parking maneuvers. Mercedes-Benz dealers fix the defect by replacing the steering unit for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V489000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V489 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V489000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →