Important Safety Recall: Rear Wheel Tie Rod Connection Issue
Affected Vehicles: Approximately 330 model-year 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 roadsters manufactured between January and April 2016.
The Safety Concern
Mercedes-Benz has identified a potential manufacturing defect in certain SLK300 models where improperly manufactured lock nuts may have been installed on the rear wheel tie rod connections. This critical safety component helps maintain proper wheel alignment and steering control.
The defective lock nuts could potentially lead to:
- Gradual changes in rear wheel alignment
- Unintended independent steering of the rear axle
- Reduced vehicle stability at higher speeds
- Increased risk of loss of vehicle control
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Official Repair Solution
Mercedes-Benz has authorized all certified dealerships to perform the following corrective actions at no cost to vehicle owners:
- Complete inspection of rear suspension components
- Replacement of both rear tie rod lock nuts with properly manufactured parts
- Full rear wheel alignment verification
- Comprehensive road test to confirm proper operation
The repair typically takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete, though owners are advised to schedule service in advance to ensure parts availability.
Owner Action Required
If you own a potentially affected 2016 SLK300, follow these important steps:
Immediate Actions:
- Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) using MotorVero's recall verification tool
- Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership to schedule your repair
- Monitor vehicle handling characteristics, especially at highway speeds
Contact Information:
- Mercedes-Benz Customer Service: 800-367-6372
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
- Online Resources: www.safercar.gov
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Finding Authorized Service
MotorVero makes it easy to locate certified Mercedes-Benz service centers:
- Use our dealer locator tool with real-time service scheduling
- Compare certified independent shops that meet Mercedes-Benz standards
- Read verified customer reviews of service departments
Additional Safety Information
While the risk of sudden failure is low, owners should be aware of these potential warning signs:
- Unusual tire wear patterns
- Vibration or wandering at highway speeds
- Changes in steering feel or handling characteristics
- Clunking noises from the rear suspension
If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce speed and have your vehicle inspected immediately.
Recall Background
This voluntary safety recall (Mercedes-Benz recall code R2023001) was initiated after routine quality control checks identified a potential deviation in the manufacturing specification of certain lock nuts. The affected vehicles were produced during a specific 90-day window in early 2016.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed no accidents or injuries related to this condition, but issued the recall as a preventive measure in accordance with their commitment to vehicle safety and performance standards.
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Owner Rights and Protections
Under U.S. federal law, vehicle owners are entitled to:
- Free repair of safety defects for up to 10 years from the original sale date
- Loaner vehicles if repairs require overnight service (at dealer discretion)
- Reimbursement for previous repairs addressing this specific condition
Owners who have already paid for tie rod lock nut replacements may submit reimbursement requests through Mercedes-Benz customer service.
Extended Warranty Considerations
This recall repair:
- Does not affect your existing vehicle warranty
- Carries its own 12-month/unlimited mileage warranty on replaced parts
- Will be documented in your vehicle's service history
Always request a detailed service receipt for your records after completion.
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
To maintain optimal suspension performance, Mercedes-Benz recommends:
- Annual suspension component inspections
- Wheel alignment checks every 15,000 miles or with tire replacement
- Prompt attention to any changes in handling characteristics
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Stay Informed About Future Recalls
MotorVero provides several ways to stay updated on vehicle safety information:
- Subscribe to our free recall notification service
- Download our mobile app for instant safety alerts
- Enable VIN-based monitoring for your specific vehicles