Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | −27% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2003 | 9 | 1.4× | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2002 | 25 | 3.3× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2001 | 19 | 1.9× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2000 | 3 | −64% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 1999 | 6 | −55% | 1 | Headlight | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median SLK year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz SLK problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
On certain passenger vehicles, failure of one of the side brake lights can occur. The base of the socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear lamp modules. The recall began on September 12, 2006, to approximately 8,200 owners. Phase ii mailing is schedule on or about November 3, 2006, and phase III mailing is schedule for January…
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the owner's manual does not contain the proper headlamp aiming instructions.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with headlamp aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the operator's manual. Owner notification began July 15, 2002.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK should you avoid?
2002 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other SLK years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2002.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz SLK?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other SLK years at the same age, followed by 1999 and 2005. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz SLK problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (18), lights (12) and electrical system (12). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SLK had?
3 recalls across 1999–2005. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.