The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class spans 2017–2020 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2017, 2020, 2019 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2018, 2019, 2020. It delivers up to 27 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2017 to 2020 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class VIN — every digit explained
Every Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Mercedes-Benz and the country it was built in (real Mercedes-Benz codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this SLC-Class.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- GermanyW1H · W1K · W1N · W1W · W1Y · W1Z
- USA1MB · 4JG · 55S · WD0 · WD8 · WDW
- Argentina8BR · 8BT · 8BU
- Brazil9DB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your SLC-Class, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class have?
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2020. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class recalls 2
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class recalls 2
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class recalls 1
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class recalls 2
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class recalls 1
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 2017, 2020, 2019 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2018, 2019, 2020.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 SLC-Class | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2018 SLC-Class | — | Best | |
| 2019 SLC-Class | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2020 SLC-Class | Electrical System | Avoid |
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class problems?
The most-reported Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class problems are Engine (2 reports), Structure (1 reports) and Communication (1 reports) — out of 7 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class specifications & dimensions
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the SLC-Class holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 91 cu ft of passenger volume and 13 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class get?
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class returns up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,850/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class (3L 6-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $3,350/yr to fuel, emitting 383 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 5/10) — about $5,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 SLC-Class | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 383 | 5/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2019 SLC-Class | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 383 | 5/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2018 SLC-Class | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 379 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2017 SLC-Class | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 379 | — | 3L 6-cyl |
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class (2L 4-cyl) gets 27 mpg combined and costs about $2,850/yr to fuel, emitting 332 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10, smog 3/10) — about $3,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 SLC-Class | 23 | 32 | $2,850 | 332 | 3/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 SLC-Class | 23 | 32 | $2,850 | 330 | 3/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 SLC-Class | 25 | 32 | $2,850 | 324 | 3/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 SLC-Class | 25 | 32 | $2,850 | 324 | 6/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the SLC-Class stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this SLC-Class's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class have? Power & range
The Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class is offered with 2 powertrains — 3L 6-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.0L · 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | RWD | Premium |
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class cost to own?
A Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this SLC-Class loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the SLC-Class ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class to insure?
A Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class costs about $2,235 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 55% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (155, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the SLC-Class's HLDI loss index. See Mercedes-Benz insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the SLC-Class yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class last?
A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this SLC-Class’s VIN free →All Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 SLC-Class | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2019 SLC-Class | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 SLC-Class | 1 recall | — | |
| 2017 SLC-Class | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the SLC-Class?
By owner-complaint volume, 2017, 2020, 2019 drew the most reports. 2018, 2019, 2020 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the SLC-Class have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2020. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Mercedes-Benz recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the SLC-Class get?
Up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a SLC-Class last?
A well-maintained SLC-Class typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the SLC-Class reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the SLC-Class is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class warranty?
New Mercedes-Benz models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Where is the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your SLC-Class's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Mercedes-Benz may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the SLC-Class have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.