Recall 16V211 affects 223 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 vehicles for ignition-switch wiring that can block Park and parking-brake use. Free repair at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 223 2016 SLK300 vehicles because the ignition switch backup power supply has an improper connection. If the main battery loses power while driving, the transmission cannot shift to Park and the electric parking brake will not apply, leaving the brake pedal as the only way to hold the vehicle until a Mercedes-Benz dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The backup power supply for the ignition switch is a secondary electrical feed. The ignition switch keeps key vehicle systems authorized and powered, including the controls that let the transmission and electric parking brake respond. On a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 with the nine-speed automatic transmission, this backup feed is meant to support parking functions if main battery power is lost.
On affected SLK300 vehicles, a design error in the wiring harness leaves that backup feed connected incorrectly. If main vehicle battery power is lost while driving, the backup supply does not feed the ignition switch. Without that power, the transmission cannot be shifted into Park and the electric parking brake cannot be applied.
The warning sign is a red battery symbol in the instrument cluster when the main battery fails. If that warning appears, treat it as a sign the main electrical supply has failed and the backup parking function is not dependable on recalled vehicles.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 | wiring |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 223 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A main battery failure leaves the brake pedal as the only control holding the SLK300 in place. If the red battery warning symbol appears, keep your foot on the brake and call for assistance before exiting. A rollaway increases the risk of injury. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ignition-switch wiring correction and software update that restores backup power for shifting to Park and applying the electric parking brake.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V211 when you call.
- Keep the brake pedal pressed if the vehicle loses main battery power, and ask the dealer for towing guidance if the car cannot be safely secured.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician corrects the ignition switch wiring and performs the required software update. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Mercedes-Benz. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V211?
Recall 16V211 covers 223 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 vehicles with nine-speed automatic transmissions. The ignition switch backup power supply was not properly connected, so the transmission cannot shift to Park and the electric parking brake cannot apply after main battery power is lost. Mercedes-Benz dealers correct the wiring and update software for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SLK300 is included in recall 16V211. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the ignition switch wiring correction and software update. Reference recall number 16V211 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will correct the ignition switch wiring and perform the software update free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V211?
The safety risk is vehicle rollaway after main battery power is lost. Without the backup power supply, the driver has to hold the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. Once the driver exits, the vehicle can roll, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz SLK300 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SLK300 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 16V211.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V211000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V211 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V211000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →