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Mercedes-Benz Metris uncovered backup battery can short and cause fire

NHTSA campaign 19V715000 · Reported 2019-10-08 · Daimler Vans USA, LLC

critical How serious is it? About this label

A fire risk inside the passenger area is serious; the notice does not order owners to stop driving or park outside, but keep loose metal objects away from that opening and get the cover installed right away.

What's wrong, in plain English

There is a backup battery in a compartment under the front passenger seat. On these vans the compartment was built without its own cover, so the battery can be left exposed when the seat is slid forward. If something metal — a coin, a tool, a paper clip — falls into the opening and touches the battery terminals, it can cause an electrical short. That short can start a fire inside the van.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Metris is included. 2. Contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer or Daimler Vans USA at 1-877-762-8267 (recall VS2SITZAB). 3. The dealer installs a cover over the battery compartment free of charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Who to contact

Mercedes-Benz — official Mercedes-Benz recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-367-6372

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Mercedes-Benz EQB battery fires and AMG wiring shorts: what owners face · all 22 Mercedes-Benz recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Summary: Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles. The integrated backup battery compartment located underneath the front passenger's seat may not have its own cover, potentially exposing the battery when the seat is moved forward.
Safety risk: If conductive material, such as metal, unintentionally drops into the opening and contacts the terminals on the battery, an electrical short can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will install covers over the battery compartment area, free of charge. DVUSA issued owners an interim notification on December 2, 2019. The recall began March 9, 2020. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS2SITZAB.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.