Warning Lamp "Washer Fluid Empty" Yet Reservoir Is Not Empty Complaint: Warning lamp "washer fluid empty", even thought the washer fluid reservoir is full Cause: Insufficient electrical conductivity of the washer fluid, as the washer fluid was mixed with distilled water. Tip: The washer fluid sensor detects the electrical conductivity. If air is present without electrical conductivity between the measuring points, as is the case with an empty tank, an empty tank is detected by the sensor. Distilled water also does not have electrical conductivity, meaning that the sensor detects an empty tank, even if this is not the case. Remedy: Fill reservoir with standard washer fluid and water (no disti
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 5,000 miles at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
When does it fail?
Of the 20 visibility complaints filed for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
(RC)Replace Rear View Camera and Update Software
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Complaint Camera cover of reversing camera does not fold in (see Picture 01, shown on vehicle with code W65 (Tailgate)). Remedy Note: Do not replace any component parts or carry out any diagnostic work! Model 447.6/7 (Metris) As of the introduction of code FR1 (Rearview camera, non-folding), the folding function of the reversing camera is no longer available (discontinuation of camera cover (KAB) control unit (N144)). Consequently, the reversing camera remains open/folded out at all times. The representation of the camera image on the media display of the radio/radio- navigation (N87/15) is not restricted and functions in the usual way. Information: There are no plans for a retrospective ada
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(RC)Replace and Update Rear View Camera
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2016 Metris consistently report that the passenger-side mirror is flat and too small, leaving a massive blind spot that catches vehicles during lane changes. Multiple owners nearly hit other vehicles within the first week of ownership despite checking mirrors and adjusting them to maximum width. The mirror's narrow field of view—one owner measured it at 5.6 degrees—does not include the convex properties standard on almost every other vehicle made in the last 50 years. On cargo vans with a bulkhead partition, the interior rearview mirror is completely blocked; without side windows, drivers have no backup sight lines.
The driver-side mirror suffers similar issues. Some owners report the mirrors magnify objects, distorting distance judgment. At night, visibility worsens due to dark factory-tinted windows. Owners discovered that the European version of the same van came equipped with convex mirrors, and Mercedes-Benz switched to convex mirrors for the 2017 model year—confirming the 2016 design was correctable but not recalled. Dealers either claim ignorance or state the manufacturer designed it that way without offering assistance. Owners have resorted to buying aftermarket convex clip-on mirrors or sourcing OEM convex mirrors from European Metris vans to retrofit their vehicles.
Failure modes owners describe
Inadequate passenger-side mirror field of view
Passenger-side mirror is flat (non-convex) and too small, creating a severe blind spot that makes lane changes dangerous. The mirror provides an extremely narrow field of view—owners cite as little as 5.6 degrees—and does not have the convex properties standard on most vehicles to expand visibility. Combined with the van's high headrests and lack of side windows on cargo versions, drivers cannot see vehicles in the passenger-side blind spot even after checking the mirror.
When: Immediate and ongoing; reported from 1,500 miles onward. Most acute during lane changes, highway driving, and heavy urban traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot see vehicles in passenger-side blind spot despite checking mirror; Near-collision incidents when attempting right-lane changes; Narrow, restricted field of view from passenger mirror; Mirror appears to magnify objects, distorting distance judgment; Poor visibility especially at night combined with dark factory tinting
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have installed aftermarket convex clip-on blind-spot mirrors as a workaround. Some owners have sourced convex mirrors from European versions of the Metris and replaced the OEM mirrors themselves. Mercedes-Benz 2017 model year switched to convex mirrors, confirming the defect was correctable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated Mercedes-Benz was aware of the issue and engineers were working on it, but manufacturer claimed the vehicle was designed that way and offered no assistance or recall. 2017 model year received convex mirrors as standard, indicating the 2016 mirrors remained unfixed.
Driver-side mirror visibility limitation
Driver-side mirror is also flat and small, though less problematic than the passenger side. Combined with high headrests, it contributes to overall poor rear visibility. Some owners report the mirrors appear to magnify objects, causing misjudgment of vehicle proximity.
When: Ongoing from purchase; more pronounced during lane changes and highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Flat mirror design with limited field of view; Objects appear magnified, distorting proximity judgment; Inadequate visibility for safe lane changes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have augmented OEM mirrors with aftermarket convex add-ons. European Metris versions equipped with convex mirrors as standard.
Rearview mirror obstruction (cargo van configuration)
Cargo versions of the Metris with a bulkhead partition render the interior rearview mirror useless. Combined with the lack of rear windows and side windows typical of cargo vans, the driver has no ability to look over the shoulder or through windows to check for vehicles. This design isolation, paired with flat side mirrors, creates an almost complete loss of rear visibility.
When: Inherent to cargo-van configuration; apparent from first week of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Interior rearview mirror blocked by bulkhead and cannot be used; No rear windows to look through for visual confirmation; No side windows on cargo door configuration; Driver cannot look over shoulder to verify lanes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners resort to aftermarket clip-on mirrors to restore basic operational safety.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The right side of the vehicle has a terrible blind spot.no matter how diligently you look in the passenger mirror and over your right shoulder there is an area that is blind to the driver. This is due to the passenger side mirror being too small and not convex. It is not written on the mirror " objects appear closer than they actually are".this is a serious design flaw, I am surprised that that…
Takata recall very disappointed with vision from the exterior mirrors cant see anything out of them. I have the van a week nearly got in 5 accidents trying to get into my right lane I have never had this problem in any other car or van this problem needs fix before somebody get hurt and all my other vans were bigger then this van
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-benz metris. Whether stationary or driving various speeds, the passenger side mirror was too wide and obstructed the contact's view of oncoming traffic. Mercedes-benz of fort myers in fort myers, florida referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue via a voicemail from the contact. The failure mileage was 30,000.
The side mirrors are not only very low and small but they are flat. This creates a huge blind spot particularly on the passenger side even with lane assist technology. I do not want to almost hit a car before being notified. I almost got into an accident on a highway with 4 kids in my care. This exact same van has been produced in europe with convex mirrors. In fact, mb is making these…
Had visibility trouble with your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 1,500 and 16,000 miles, with the median around 5,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 1,500; a quarter make it past 16,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Mercedes-Benz/Metris.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.