The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 SLK300 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016 to April 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, improperly manufactured lock nuts may have been used on the rear wheel tie rod connection, and as a result, the rear wheel alignment may change and the rear axle may steer independently.
The risk
A change of the rear wheel alignment and independent steering of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts on the rear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2016050008.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V306000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.