2010 Mercedes-benz M166 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-M166
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The M166 is a range of inline-four engines produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1997 to 2005, before it was succeeded by the M266 engine from 2004.

Design

The M166 is transversely mounted and features 2 valves per cylinder with multipoint injection. The engine is used in W168 A-Class models that feature the 'sandwich concept', where the engine is mounted at a 59-degree angle just behind the front axle. This allows for better weight distribution as well as increased safety, as the engine slides underneath the floorpan instead of into the cabin in the event of a head-on collision.

Models

M166 E14

1997–2004 W168 A140

M166 E16

2001–2005 W639 Vito 1
1997–2004 W168 A160

M166 E19

1999–2004 W168 A190
2001–2005 W639 Vito 1
2001-2005 W414 Vaneo 1

M166 E21

2002–2004 W168 A210

Social links

Common 2010 Mercedes-benz M166 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Mercedes-Benz M166 2010, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Gas Smell Inside the Vehicle After Fuel Fill-Up:
- Description: Owners reported a strong gas smell inside the vehicle after refueling, which dissipates after using a quarter of the tank. The issue persists even when the vehicle is parked with the engine off, leading to the garage being filled with gas fumes.
- Consequences: This issue poses a potential safety hazard due to the risk of gas exposure and flammability.
- Frequency: The problem has been ongoing for over 2 years, affecting the vehicle at 75,000 miles.
- Source: NHTSA Web Site
- Location: Stafford, TX
Oil Leaks:
- Description: Common sources of oil leaks on the M166 engine include valve cover gaskets, camshaft solenoid cover gaskets, and oil filter housing gaskets. If left unattended, these leaks can damage peripheral components like the alternator, drive belt pulleys, and transmission cooling hoses.
- Consequences: Oil leaks can lead to engine damage and affect the performance of the vehicle.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection and timely replacement of gaskets are recommended to prevent further damage.
Crankcase Breather Valve Failure:
- Description: The crankcase breather valve can fail due to deterioration of the diaphragm or cracks in the hose, leading to increased oil consumption, misfires, and smoke from the tailpipe.
- Consequences: This issue can impact engine performance and emissions, potentially causing drivability issues.
- Maintenance: Replacement of the crankcase breather valve around 60,000 miles is advised, requiring intake manifold removal for access.
Camshaft Adjuster Issues:
- Description: When camshaft adjusters lose hydraulic pressure, they can produce noise, especially at cold starts, affecting engine performance.
- Consequences: Camshaft adjuster problems can lead to engine noise, reduced performance, and potential drivability issues.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection and replacement of faulty camshaft adjusters are necessary to maintain engine efficiency.

These common problems reported by owners of the Mercedes-Benz M166 2010 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.

2010 Mercedes-benz M166 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercedes-benz M166 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Unknown or other problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Mercedes-benz M166 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2010 Mercedes-benz M166 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Mercedes-benz M166.

2020-03-10

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-03-10
VIN: WDDGF5EB9AF
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: AFTER A FUEL FILL UP THERE IS A SERIOUS GAS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER USING A QUARTER OF THE TANK THE SMELL GOES AWAY. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED MOTOR OFF. THE GARAGE IS SO FILLED WITH GAS FUMES I HAVE TO RUN A FAN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 2 YEARS.

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2020-02-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-01-20
VIN: WDDHF8HB7AA
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE

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2020-01-27

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-01-24
VIN: WDDKJ7CB4AF
Components: STEERING
Summary: AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO WORK (APPROX. 35 MILES) AND THEN RETURNING AFTER THE WORK DAY WAS COMPLETE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. WE SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AS WELL AS THE TECHNICIAN THEY DISPATCHED TO OUR LOCATION. WE TRIED MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS TO OUR PROBLEM WITH NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND UPON INVESTIGATION, THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK MECHANISM HAD GONE BAD RESULTING IN A NEED TO REPLACE THIS PART. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AS WELL AS SPOKEN TO SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A GROWING ISSUE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF SIMILAR ISSUES AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY ARE SERVICING 1-2 VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE EVERY DAY. WITH THAT TYPE OF VOLUME, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SOURCING OR MANUFACTURING OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR THAT SEEMS AS IF IT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED.

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2019-12-03

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-11-03
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: WDCGG5GB6AF
Components: STEERING
Summary: WHILE COMMUTING ON A HIGHLY CONGESTED HIGHWAY THE CAR LOST POWER CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME LOCKED THIS LOST OF POWER AND DISABLING CAUSED MY CAR TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND TAKING MY VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLY OFF THE ROAD

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2010 Mercedes-benz M166 problems:

FIXED - the slow gasoline fill problem | Mercedes-Benz Forum

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/fixed-the-slow-gasoline-fill-problem.2602978/

Apr 4, 2016 ... had no issues the first time and the second time the pump was going as slow as molasses. probably took 30 to 60 seconds just for each gallon.

2013 ML350 Stuck in Park from time to time - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w166/799485-2013-ml350-stuck-park-time-time.html

Nov 17, 2020 ... Mercedes-Benz SUVs, Trucks, Vans, Diesels, Other; / ... It pretty common problem on all mercedes model. ... Apr 2010. Location. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

What is the last model year that Mercedes cars were dependable ...

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-last-model-year-that-Mercedes-cars-were-dependable-and-long-lasting-vehicles-If-youre-not-happy-with-the-current-reliability-of-Mercedes-whats-the-latest-model-year-youd-buy

Aug 27, 2018 ... Why are Mercedes Benz cars so prone to having mechanical issues? Same reason BMWs or Audis or Fords or Chevrolets ...

Is a loud engine normal for an E350 Sport? - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/735835-loud-engine-normal-e350-sport.html

Feb 13, 2019 ... E-Class (W212) - Is a loud engine normal for an E350 Sport? - Hi, all, Forgive this ignorant question. I just got my first Mercedes.

Infotainment Issues with Fix | Page 3 | 2024+ Chevy Blazer EV Forum

https://www.blazerevforum.com/threads/infotainment-issues-with-fix.707/page-3

Feb 10, 2024 ... I use the Cord From the Car all the time. My wife had a Level 2 Plug installed here at home for her Tesla Mod 3 back in 2019. She uses her Tesla ...