Recall 16V439 affects 100 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK300, SLK350, SL400, SL550, and SL63 vehicles for misadjusted low-beam headlights. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 100 2015 SLK300, SL63, SL550, SLK350, and SL400 vehicles under recall 16V439 because the low-beam headlights were aimed incorrectly during production. Incorrect low-beam aim reduces driver visibility and increases crash risk, and the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The low-beam headlights on 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK300, SL63, SL550, SLK350, and SL400 vehicles are the main forward lights used for night driving and low-visibility conditions. They are supposed to put a controlled beam on the road ahead without aiming too high into oncoming traffic or too low to be useful. Proper aim is part of the federal headlight standard.
On the affected vehicles, the low beams were set with an incorrectly aligned headlight calibrator during production. The calibrator is the plant tool used to set the basic headlight position before the car leaves the factory. Because that tool was set wrong after maintenance, the low-beam setting can sit outside the required tolerance range, which reduces the distance the headlights illuminate.
The driver can notice the problem as a shorter headlight range at night. Until a Mercedes-Benz dealer readjusts the beam, reduce speed and adjust driving to the visibility you have.
Who's affected?
Covers five Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK variants from the 2015 model year, all tied to the same headlight component.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL63 | Headlights |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL550 | Headlights |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 | Headlights |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL400 | Headlights |
| Units affected | 100 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly adjusted low-beam headlights can reduce the driver's visibility and increase crash risk. If the low beams do not reach as far as expected, slow down and keep speed within the lighted road ahead until the headlamps are inspected and adjusted. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK300, SL63, SL550, SLK350, or SL400 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free headlamp inspection and adjustment that corrects the low-beam aim.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or reference recall number 16V439 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair is complete, since incorrectly aimed low-beam headlights reduce driver visibility.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the low-beam headlamps and adjusts the aim if needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Out-of-pocket headlamp repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V439?
Recall 16V439 covers 100 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK300, SL63, SL550, SLK350, and SL400 vehicles with low-beam headlights that were aimed incorrectly during production. Poor headlight aim can reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and adjust the headlamps for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK300, SL63, SL550, SLK350, or SL400 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V439. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the headlamp inspection and adjustment. Reference recall number 16V439 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the Mercedes-Benz recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect and adjust the affected headlamps free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V439?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility from low-beam headlights that are aimed incorrectly. Poor low-beam aim can make it harder to see the road ahead and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the headlamps and adjust them if needed for free.
What if I bought my 2015 Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 16V439.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V439000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V439 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V439000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →