2019 Mercedes-Benz Viaggio 900

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris (known as the Viaggio 900 in some markets) is a versatile van appreciated for its maneuverability, cargo capacity, and Mercedes-Benz build quality. It’s available with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission. Some owners praise its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency for its class. Conversely, some common complaints revolve around the smaller size compared to full-size vans, leading to limitations in cargo space for certain needs, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, experiences rough idling, loss of power, or difficulty starting. Check engine light illuminates with codes related to fuel pressure.
  • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or whistling sound from the engine, reduced engine power, black smoke from the exhaust, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3500+

Transmission

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hesitation or jerkiness during gear changes, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the problem persists, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush and filter change: $300 - $500. Valve body replacement: $1500 - $2500. Transmission rebuild/replacement: $4000 - $7000+
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially during acceleration, or abnormal vibrations.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. Affects ride quality and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear springs or add helper springs/airbags.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Replacing springs: $500-$1000. Adding helper springs/airbags: $500 - $2000+

Electrical

• Sliding Door Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors fail to open or close properly, or get stuck. Could be related to the motor, wiring harness, or door latch mechanism.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the wiring harness. Replace the door motor or latch as necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle battery drains quickly, especially when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Test the battery and charging system. Identify and eliminate any parasitic draws.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Faulty Blower Motor Resistor
  • Description/Symptoms: Only one or some speeds work on the blower fan or the blower fan does not work at all.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+

Exterior

• Sliding Door Track Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust buildup within the sliding door tracks impedes smooth door operation.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the tracks. In severe cases, repair or replace the corroded track components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Cleaning and Lubrication: $50 - $150. Track repair/replacement: $300 - $1000+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard panel or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dashboard cover: $50-$200. Dashboard replacement: $1000-$3000+

Summary

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris, or Viaggio 900, is a capable van, but owners have reported a range of issues. Engine problems such as HPFP and turbocharger failures can be quite costly. The 7G-TRONIC transmission may exhibit shifting issues that can range from a simple fluid change to a complete overhaul. Electrical issues can also lead to repairs. While some problems are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to address, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential.