Recall 19V715 affects 15,160 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles for an uncovered backup battery compartment. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 15,160 2016-2020 Metris vans because the backup battery under the front passenger seat can lack its own cover, leaving terminals exposed when the seat moves forward. If metal or another conductive item contacts the battery terminals, an electrical short can occur and increase the risk of a fire, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The integrated backup battery in a 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris sits in a compartment underneath the front passenger seat. A seat base cover is supposed to close off that compartment, so the battery is not exposed when the seat slides forward. The cover and its expansion rivet are simple protective hardware, but they matter because the battery is mounted where seat movement can uncover it.
On affected Metris vans, production records show the vehicle was built without that seat base cover. When the passenger seat is moved forward, the missing cover leaves the backup battery compartment open instead of shielded. That is the defect: the battery itself is not described as faulty, but the protective cover that separates it from the seat area is missing.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not told to expect a dashboard light, noise, smell, or change in how the van drives before the exposed battery condition is found.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2016-2020 Metris model years, all tied to the same battery component.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris | battery |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris | battery |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | battery |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris | battery |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris | battery |
| Units affected | 15,160 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific van.
What's the safety risk?
If conductive material such as metal falls into the battery compartment opening and touches the terminals, an electrical short can start a fire. Keep loose metal objects away from that area and schedule the cover installation soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free battery-compartment cover installation that shields the backup battery area under the front passenger seat.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V715 when you call.
- Keep metal objects and loose conductive items away from the front passenger seat area until the repair is complete.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-877-762-8267 with questions about recall number 19V715.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician installs covers over the integrated backup battery compartment under the front passenger's seat. The cover keeps the battery compartment enclosed when the seat is moved forward. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement plan covers documented, related repairs paid before the owner letter. Bring any repair paperwork to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 8, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| November 15, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 22, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 9, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V715?
Recall 19V715 covers 15,160 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles with an integrated backup battery compartment under the front passenger seat that lacks its own cover. Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the battery compartment area for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Metris is included in recall 19V715. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the battery compartment cover installation. Reference recall number 19V715 or Mercedes-Benz recall number VS2SITZAB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the integrated backup battery compartment area free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an electrical short that can increase the risk of a fire. If conductive material such as metal drops into the battery compartment opening and contacts the battery terminals, a short can occur. The free dealer repair adds the missing cover.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz Metris used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor open safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 19V715.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V715000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-762-8267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V715 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V715000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →