Most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 problems
Share of the 34 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK230 complaints by model year
Best SLK230 years: 2002, 2003, 2000. Years to avoid: 1999, 1998. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230:
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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 owners say
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230. While driving at various speeds, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the base of the rear passenger side tail lamp melted and diagnosed that the brake light assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 05V505000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 8/21/15
I purchased the car with 1,000 miles on it, I was the 3rd owner. 1st owner was dealer in nj, 2-nd owner was my father. The problem started around 15,000 miles and has continued. The problem is with the rear brake3 light assembly. I have been told that this is a "known defect" that has not been recalled with the slk model that Mercedes manufactures. I have been told the tail light assembly does not have a way to cool off and gets too hot and burns up causing the brake lights to loose connection and they fail. 4 different mechanics have all told me the same story. I was told that I could keep replacing the part and the same thing would happen again and again and I would not be able to correct this default because of the design of the model of this Mercedes. …
Body & structure
The car had a bad left door panel that was fixed under warranty last year. This summer I noticed that it was loose at the top so I had my wife take it in to be fixed. They fixed the panel and my drove home. When my wife got home she was locked in the car and the left door would only open if she put the window down and used the outside door handle. Se went inside and called the dealer, shaffer imports. They had her bring it back so they could correct the problem. She left the car and when she returned it had not been fixed. They said that the door latch must have failed on the way home and that we would have to pay to fix it. They also said that they have seen this problem on other Mercedes models that use the same door latch. I believe that this is a safety problem and should be fixed and a recall issued. …
The gray interior of the Mercedes Benz 1998 SLK230 was peeling off the console and most of the rest of the interior. It seemed to be a gray plastic film which was put over what looked like black leather. The car's interior was awlful looking with these black places showing through the gray throught most of the interior. I didn'tt think the interior of a Mercedes Benz should shred and peel no matter how old the car was.
Engine & cooling
The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a full inspection, the consumer asked that the dealer pay special attention to the fluids, after inspection the vehicle was returned to the consumer, within 15 min the vehicle began to stall and black smoke fumed smelling of antifreeze, the instrument panel indicated extreme heat at which time the consumer pulled over, the consumer observed an antifreeze puddle under the car. Nlm
This model has been evolved several times by the manufacturer more to market and in a hastily time,perhaps at the expense of the consumer and requires thorough investigation. No safety defect.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 a good car?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 SLK230 rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the SLK230 at the same age. It is one of the SLK230 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
The lights — 14 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about brake lights. Next are the body & structure (6) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2003 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999 and 1998. See the full Mercedes-Benz SLK230 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 56% 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.