2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Body, Seats & Latches

Body, Seats & Latches is the largest identified problem area: 1 of 2 complaints (50%) mentions it. 2 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised.

Complaints filed fell from 4 in 2015 to 2 in 2016.

Data last changed Sep 16, 2026. Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 3 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.
Category	2014	2015	2016	vs. 2016 Two Seaters
Annual fuel cost ($)	3,000–3,500	3,000–3,500	2,850–3,500
Combined MPG	22–26	22–26	22–27
City / Highway MPG	19–23 / 28–32	19–23 / 28–32	19–24 / 28–32
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)	342–401	342–401	325–401
Complaints filed	3	4	2	Not compared
Recalls issued	2	3	5	Not compared
Crash-involved complaints	0	0	0	Not compared
Fire-involved complaints	0	0	0	Not compared
Injuries reported	0	0	0	Not compared
Deaths reported	0	0	0	Not compared
Configurations compared	4	4	3

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class have?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class get?

EPA rates it 22–27 MPG combined across 3 configurations.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?

EPA estimates $2,850–$3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

Similar Vehicles

EPA-Rated Configurations (3)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
Configuration	Transmission	Cylinders	Displacement	Drivetrain	Fuel Type	Vehicle Class	City	Highway	Combined	Annual Fuel Cost	CO₂
Configuration 1	Automatic 7-spd	8	5.5L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Premium	Two Seaters	19 mpg (low)	28 mpg (low)	22 mpg (low)	$3,500 (high)	401 g/mi (high)
Configuration 2	Automatic 9-spd	4	2.0L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Premium	Two Seaters	24 mpg (high)	32 mpg (high)	27 mpg (high)	$2,850 (low)	325 g/mi (low)
Configuration 3	Automatic 7-spd	6	3.5L	Rear-Wheel Drive	Premium	Two Seaters	21 mpg	29 mpg	24 mpg	$3,250	368 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
Category	Complaints	Crash-Involved	Fire-Involved	Injuries	Deaths
Engine	0	0	0	0	0
Transmission & Drivetrain	0	0	0	0	0
Fuel System	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical	0	0	0	0	0
Brakes	0	0	0	0	0
Steering	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension, Wheels & Tires	0	0	0	0	0
Airbags & Restraints	0	0	0	0	0
Driver Assistance & Speed Control	0	0	0	0	0
Body, Seats & Latches	1	0	0	0	0
Visibility & Lighting	0	0	0	0	0
Other	2	0	0	0	0

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (5)

COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 17V308000 · May 12, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015 SLK 250, 2016 SLK 350, 2016-2017 SLC 300, and 2017 SLC 43 AMG vehicles. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system software may incorrectly keep the brakes slightly applied.
Consequence: If brake pads are constantly applied over long periods of driving, the brake components may heat up, affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the dragging brakes may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the ESC system, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
SUSPENSION:REAR · Campaign 16V306000 · May 16, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A change of the rear wheel alignment and independent steering of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 16V211000 · Apr 13, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 SLK300 vehicles manufactured June 2, 2015 to July 14, 2015 and equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The backup power supply for the ignition switch in the affected vehicles may not have been properly connected. As a result, if the vehicle is being driven and there is a loss of power from the main vehicle battery, the transmission cannot be shifted to "Park" nor can the electric parking brake be applied.
Consequence: In this situation, without the backup power supply, the only way to keep the vehicle from moving is to press the brake pedal. As soon as the driver attempts to exit the vehicle, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the ignition switch wiring and perform a software update, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 15V662000 · Oct 16, 2015
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, and 2016 SLK300 roadster vehicles manufactured July 17, 2015, to August 31, 2015. The affected vehicles have intake or exhaust camshafts whose welds may fail and possibly cause engine damage.
Consequence: Engine damage may result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected camshafts, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 9, 2015. The recall began on December 23, 2015. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes-Benz's number for this recall is 2015100006.