Recall 16V306 affects 327 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 vehicles for rear tie-rod lock nuts that can alter alignment. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 327 2016 SLK300 vehicles under recall 16V306 because improperly manufactured lock nuts on the rear wheel tie rod connection can let the rear alignment change and the rear axle steer independently. That can increase crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear wheel tie rod connection on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 helps hold the rear wheel at the correct alignment angle. A lock nut clamps that threaded connection in place, so the setting stays fixed while the suspension moves over bumps and through turns.
On affected SLK300 vehicles, the lock nuts were not made to the required material standard. Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to excessive etching during supplier manufacturing, which means the nut material was processed beyond specification. If the nut does not hold the connection as designed, the rear wheel alignment can change and the rear axle can steer in a direction the driver did not command.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign can be a sudden change in how the car tracks, steers, or feels from the rear axle while driving.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 327 |
| 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 change in rear wheel alignment and independent steering of the rear axle increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid ignoring unusual handling from the rear of the vehicle. 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 rear tie-rod lock-nut replacement that fixes the rear wheel alignment issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V306 when you call.
- Avoid driving more than necessary until the repair is complete, because the rear wheel alignment can change.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the lock nuts on the rear tie rods, the connection that helps hold rear wheel alignment in place. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Mercedes-Benz says it is not sending a separate reimbursement notice because all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. If you already have repair paperwork tied to the rear tie rod lock nuts, ask the service desk how the new vehicle warranty applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 16, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 24, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V306?
Recall 16V306 covers 327 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 vehicles with rear tie rod lock nuts that were not manufactured correctly. The rear wheel alignment can change, and the rear axle can steer independently, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the rear tie rod lock nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V306. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule replacement of the rear tie rod lock nuts. Reference recall number 16V306 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2016050008 when you call.
Does the Mercedes-Benz SLK300 recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz replaces the rear tie rod lock nuts free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a change in rear wheel alignment and independent steering of the rear axle. That can reduce the driver's control of the vehicle and increase crash risk. The free dealer repair replaces the affected rear tie rod lock nuts.
What if I bought my 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your SLK300 is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer or Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V306000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V306 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V306000 |
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 →