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2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 9owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 17%fail the UK MOT
The least complained-about Mercedes-Benz B-Class year on file: 9 complaints, against an average of 23 for the other model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz B-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class?
The components named most often in the 9 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAAffected vehicles have an engine control unit software that deviates from the local legal requirements
Risk: Affected vehicles have an engine control unit software that deviates from the local legal requirements.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAA bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications
Risk: A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the steering shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAThe calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat may not meet the specification
Risk: The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat might not meet the specification.
Fix: Replace the passenger seat cushion
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components
UK DVSASteering components may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: It has been determined that the steering airbag electrical components are insufficiently grounded. Failure of the steering column module clock spring could result in an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag which may cause risk of injury to the driver and an increased risk of a potential collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles the manufacturer will fit a contact bridge to the outer race of the steering column top bearing which will provide correct grounding.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAStarting current limiter may overload
Risk: Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure) and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter.
UK DVSAAirbag may not deploy correctly
Risk: The propellant mixing ratio in the igniters of the front passenger airbag assembly may not meet specification. If the airbag is required and activated it might not deploy or not completely deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag assembly.
UK DVSARisk of fireYears estimated
Risk: A threaded connection in the Prefuse box may not be tightened to the correct specification. This may excessive resistance and create a heat source. This could cause a fire. Additionally vibration may cause power disruption which could affect the operation of steering power assistance ABS SRS and/or instrument failure..
Fix: On affected vehicles check threaded connection and where necessary replace fuse box.
UK DVSARear bench seat may lift up from the rear in a collision & attached seat belts may not be anchored correctly
Risk: On 'B' Class models fitted with 'Easy Vario' rear seat option a bolt securing the seat bench to the body may have been omitted during production. This may allow the seat bench to lift during a frontal collision. Seat belt effectiveness may also be compromised.
Fix: On affected vehicles check for presence and tightness of retaining screws. Fit new screws where necessary and tighten all screws to specification.
UK DVSARisk of fire
Risk: The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.
UK DVSAVehicle may cut out
Risk: In rare cases the propulsion control unit may send an incorrect message. This may cause the electric power train to shut down. Power can be restored by the normal start sequence.
Fix: Update software on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAEngine may fail
Risk: The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the exhaust camshaft.
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA bore hole in the universal joint on the steering shaft may have incorrect size.As a result, there could be play between the bearing fitted into the bore hole and the universal joint, which could cause the joint to become detached over time.This would impair the vehicle’s steerability, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe occupant classification system for the front passenger seat may not be calibrated in accordance with the specifications.Consequently, an installed child seat may be identified as a person or a small, light person as a child seat. As a result, the passenger airbag could be activated despite the presence of a child seat or the passenger airbag could fail to activate despite the presence of a person on the passenger seat, increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering column is not sufficiently earthed.As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe starter current limiter may be overloaded and overheat.As a consequence, the surrounding components could ignite, leading to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 01/09/2017
EU Safety GateThe mixture ratio of the fuel in the inflators of the front-passenger knee, pelvic and side curtain airbags may not be correct.In the event of an accident requiring the deployment of the airbags, this could lead to the airbags not inflating properly.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIncorrect fitting of the pre-fuse box may lead to fire and to the loss of electrical power.In the case of a break in the contact, the engine can cut out while the vehicle is in motion and the steering assistance, the SRS system (e.g. airbags), ESP or instrument panel can fail, with an increased risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe bolt connections for the wheels on the right-hand side of the vehicle may have been fitted defectively.There is a risk of bolt connections coming loose and leading to the loss of a wheel, which would increase the risk of a potential accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCracks may form in the high-pressure fuel pipes leading to a fuel leak and a vehicle fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class owners report?
9 of the 9 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My air bag light went on , and my car is displaying a fault on the drivers side air bag . I took the car to an authorized Mercedes dealer and they say they claim I need a new part . Please see RCMN-17V627 . The recall affects nearly 500,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles from model years 2012 to 2018. Specific models include: B-Class electric (2014–2017) I can send pictures and other material .
Complaint submitted to Transport Canada: “The Eco Start function on the Mercedes Benz B250 does not work and so intermittently shuts off the car without warning. Very very dangerous. When stopped at a stop light, unless the eco smart button is turned off the car engine will suddenly shut off. Red text appears in the display above steering wheel stating gear shift error contact dealership. I contacted Mercedes Benz Canada who told me that they would not be liable for the repair. We have researched whether the function can be disabled. There does not appear to be any means of doing so. We simply…
Drive unit failed. Manufacturer's Faulty coolant seal. Coolant leaked into engine, Dashboard displayed "Workshop" warning about 2-3 times before breakdown.
2016 MERCEDES BENZ B250 E. CONSTITUENT STATED THAT THE COOLANT SEEPED INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE.
On 4/19/22 while driving my Mercedes B250e, I received a 'check coolant level' warning message, followed closely by 'without starting engine again, consult workshop' and then 'stop, switch engine off'. All messages appeared in less than 30 minutes time, and then my engine completely shut off while I was pulling into a parking lot. Prior to this date, there were no warning signs of the issue. The issue was diagnosed by the Mercedes Atlanta South dealership as a catastrophic electric drive unit failure caused by a coolant leak due to a faulty rotor seal. I was quoted a price of $12K-$20K to…
2021-11-29, 10a PST. The "check coolant level" warning appeared while I was driving westbound on the 210 freeway in Glendale, California. As I took the exit to La Crescenta Ave, another alert appeared that there was a sudden "malfunction: visit workshop" warning. As I was trying to turn off on a side street to pull over (with my 4 year old in the back seat), the car stopped in the middle of the road and would not start back up again. Some good citizens helped me push my car up the hill to the side street where I could safely park the vehicle. There are other accounts of this issue occurring…
MERCEDES NOTIFIED ME VIA LETTER OF A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH MY LEASED 2016 B250E IN NOVEMBER 2017 BUT SAYS PARTS AREN'T AVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER 2018. SO I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE UNTIL THEN?
2016 MERCEDES-BENZ B CLASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL GROUNDING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ B-CLASS ELECTRIC EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: EVENT EMT, TIRE SIZE: 225/55/CR1797W, AND DOT NUMBER: BCKC1AH2116. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES ABNORMALLY PREMATURELY WORE OUT. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND TIRES WERE 40,306.
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2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class; the most common categories were engine (5, 55.6%), air bags (3, 33.3%), electrical system (2, 22.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class?
Across 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (55.6% of complaints), air bags (33.3% of complaints), electrical system (22.2% of complaints), power train (11.1% of complaints), steering (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own B-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.