Recall 17V308 covers 5,818 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz SLK and SLC vehicles for ESC software that keeps brakes applied. Repair is free at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 5,818 2015-2017 SLC300, Slc 43 AMG, SLK350, and SLK250 vehicles under recall 17V308 because electronic stability control software can keep the brakes slightly applied. Constant brake drag over long drives can heat brake parts, reduce braking performance, and raise crash or fire risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic stability control system, also called ESP in Mercedes-Benz service language, helps manage braking when the vehicle needs stability correction or when a driver assist feature starts automatic braking. On the 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300, Slc 43 AMG, SLK350, and SLK250, that software is tied into the hydraulic brake system, which uses brake fluid pressure to press the pads against the rotors.
In these vehicles, certain ESP software versions were programmed incorrectly. If a driver assist system starts automatic braking and then aborts during the early rise in brake pressure, low residual pressure can stay in the hydraulic brake system. That pressure keeps the brake pad touching the rotor, so the brakes stay slightly applied while the vehicle continues moving. Continued driving with the pads dragging can heat the brake system.
Owners can notice the vehicle slowing more and more without normal pedal input. Smoke from the fender wells is also a warning sign tied to the brake heat described in the recall.
Who's affected?
Spans four SLC and SLK variants across the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, all tied to electronic stability control.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Slc 43 AMG | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC300 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| Units affected | 5,818 |
| 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 your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Dragging brake pads can heat the brake components during long drives, reduce braking performance, and increase the risk of a crash. Overheated dragging brakes also increase the risk of a fire. If the vehicle keeps slowing on its own or smoke comes from the fender wells, pull over when safe and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300, Slc 43 AMG, SLK350, or SLK250 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ESC software update that corrects brakes staying slightly applied.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V308 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. Avoid extended driving if the brakes feel like they are dragging or braking performance changes.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the electronic stability control software so the ESC system no longer keeps the brakes slightly applied. The software update and dealer labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since all involved vehicles remain covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 9, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V308?
Recall 17V308 covers 5,818 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300, Slc 43 AMG, SLK350, and SLK250 vehicles with ESC software that can keep the brakes slightly applied. Brake drag can overheat components, affect braking performance, increase crash risk, and increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC300, Slc 43 AMG, SLK350, or SLK250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V308. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the ESC software update. Reference recall number 17V308 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the ESC system software free of charge, and the recall repair has been available since June 9, 2017.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V308?
The safety risk is brake drag that overheats brake components. NHTSA campaign 17V308 says constant brake-pad contact over long drives can affect braking performance and increase crash risk. The same overheating condition also increases fire risk. The dealer repair is the ESC software update.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow 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 17V308 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V308000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V308 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V308000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →