Most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints by model year
Best SLK years: 2000, 1999, 2005. Years to avoid: 2002, 2001. Compare all years →
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls (2)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK:
Brake lamp failure
In its letter dated October 28, 2005, Mercedes-Benz USA stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy defective brake lamp assemblies in model year 1998 through 2004 Mercedes Benz slk vehicles.the base of the brake lamp socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.this deformation can cause movement in the socket-to-bulb connection, which May lead to a loosening of the electrical contacts in the…
What 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Mb should recall rearview mirrors for 1998-2003 SLK. Looking at articles over the internet, lots of SLK owners have experienced this problem, so this is a known common issue for the car. The problem is that the rearview has an auto dim feature, and this mirror usually leaks making the mirror very dark where your cannot use it anymore.
The inside rear view and the exterior rear view mirrors in my 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 amg (r170 model) are electro chromic self-dimming mirrors that have no manual backup. The mirrors contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirrors away which greatly eliminates rear view capability in the interior. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking. The interior mirror is about $200 and the exterior (glass only) is around $400. About a year ago, magna donnelly was replacing these mirrors for free but stopped for unknown reasons.
Electrical system
Dt: 2002 Mercedes SLK 230- when stopping the car, and then take off again the car loses power. Indicator light does not come on at this time. This does not happen every time while driving the car. The vehicle has been to the dealership three or four times in past year and a half. The last time it was in the shop five days and driven 163 miles and the dealership could not duplicate the problem. However, when I picking up the vehicle drove it about 10 MPH, stopped at a stop sign the car lost power. Then a few minutes later it happened again.
The auto dimming rear view mirror turned black and I cannot see out of it dealer wants like $800 to replace it. There are many people on the forums with the same problem, also the auto dimming drivers side mirror has a similar problem and can't see out of that either, again many people on the forums complain about this too. At one time the manufacturer of the mirror was sending free replacements since there were some quality control problems, but no more.
Lights
I received a recall notice about 4 weeks ago for my 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK 320 due to a faulty brake / stop light design. The left stop light bulb had already burned out several months ago, and the socket was warped from the heat. It was replaced, but the new bulb failed again this month. Today I called the dealership I purchased from, bill ussery motors of coral gables, fl and I was told, "your VIN number is not covered by the recall." if not, then why did Mercedes Benz USA mail me a recall letter and why is the bulb assembly defective??? Dozens of other SLK owners on a Mercedes internet message board are facing the same run around from their dealers!
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at various speeds, the brake lights failed to illuminate without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were alerted and agreed the vehicle was included in the NHTSA recall, # 05V505000, concerning brake lights. However, both refused to repair the vehicle under the recall.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 SLK rates use caution: 3.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the SLK at the same age. It is one of the SLK years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 8 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rearview mirrors/devices › exterior. Next are the electrical system (5) and lights (4).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK, the most recent from November 1, 2005 (brake lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1999 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz SLK years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 33,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.