Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 problems
Share of the 31 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 2001 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 owners say
Lights
More often than not, when I start up my vehicle an indicator for a light out appears on my dash. I have been pulled over several times for a right rear brake light being out. I have replaced the bulb numerous times. I was recommended to look on your web sight and I saw that a recall had been issued campaign id 05V505000 on my make/model for this problem. However when I put in my VIN number it produced zero recalls. How do I know if this vehicle has ever had the recall issue corrected? Also, what I can do to get the issue rectified?
Tl*- the contact stated that the brake light on the vehicle had not worked properly since she purchased the vehicle. For 2 years the brake light kept going out. She took the vehicle to the mechanic who kept on replacing two to three bulbs at a time. She received a recall letter from Mercedes Benz indicating that on certain passenger vehicles failure of one of the side brake lights could occur. The base of the socket could be subject to thermal deformation. She went to the dealership with the letter for them to correct the problem, but they refused to repair it without her paying for it. The recall letter indicated the recall was not in neffect until spring 2007. Recall campaign# 2006-080005. The current and failure mileage were 80000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The inside rear view mirror in my 2001 Mercedes-Benz slk 230 (r170 model) is a self-dimming mirror. The mirror contains a fluid which is leaking out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to dim against rear approaching headlights, resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of the internal fluid leaking. The OEM mirror maker has been contacted, and steve chenlo, from magna donnelly (his direct line is [phone]), refused to take ownership of the problem. His advice was to purchase another mirror at approximately $200, and pay for installation, which was approximately $100 from the dealership. About a year ago, magna donnelly was replacing these mirrors for free but stopped for unknown reasons.
The interior rear view mirror in my 2001 Mercedes SLK230 (r170 model) is an self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out, causing the self-dimming feature to fail. So basically, I'm blinded by approaching headlights whenever I drive at night. The only fix is to turn the mirror away and lose my rear view (which after all is the entire purpose of the rear view mirror!) I researched online and there are hundreds of documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models. I contacted the OEM mirror maker and their only suggestion was to have my dealer install a new mirror at a cost of $300-400. That is unacceptable.
Stability & traction control
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the ESC warning indicator suddenly illuminated and the ESC activated. As a result, the front passenger side brake suddenly activated and the vehicle turned to the right. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 105,000.
My vehicle would would suddenly come to an abrupt stop without applying the brakes. It would do this at any speed. It was happening everyday. We had to stop driving it. We towed it to the dealer and they told us the yaw sensor was bad. There are many complaints about this on the internet. It is dangerous and could cause a deadly accident. The cost to repair was $1000.
2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl supercharged | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 a good car?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 SLK230 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the SLK230 at the same age. 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
The lights — 10 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about brake lights. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (7) and stability & traction control (7).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 32% 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.