Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The contact owns a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V505000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was started; however, the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Dt: light came on dash panel indicating there was a light problem, and discovered there were no brake lights. Took vehicle to a dealership. They said because there was heat so extensive from brake light that it melted and would cost $1200 for repairs. There was an extended warranty service plan through Ford. However, this was not covered because there was a technical service bulletin on this issue,TSB # pb8210/406 of 1-31-05. No repairs have been made but owner plans to pay for this out of pocket.
Brake lights burn out frequently on my 1999 Mercedes slk 230. Light sockets burn with discoloration and plastic melts at the socket and circuit board on the rear of the taillight. It is very difficult to remove the burned socket from the fixture. The intent of the design is to use finger pressure to twist the socket out. Due to the melting it requires the use of a wrench that then damages the socket sometimes to an unusable condition requiring replacement at owner cost. Dash "bulb out" warning light is too dim to notice and hidden from view behind the steering wheel. Bulb out warning light illuminates sometimes when there are no lights burned out so this makes it useless to determine what bulb is actually out if any. My car was in the Mercedes shop for 30 days and returned to me with the comment ''condition could not be duplicated'' in regards to the taillight. …
There is a defect in 1998 - 2001 Mercedes Benz slk model cars tail lights and brake lights. The socket which houses the bulbs does not provide sufficient pressure to maintain electrical contact. The result of this is burned conctats, melted bulb housings and burned out tail and brake lights. This can lead to a fire or an accident in the event of failure. This defect has been reported by hundreds/thousands of slk owners to the manufacturer. The maufacturer refuses to acknowledge this defect and will do nothing to correct it if the vehicle is out of warrenty. The defect, if discovered by the owner prior to warranty expiration is corrected, but if the defect is not discovered in warranty the manufacturer will do nothing to correct it. Subsequent (post 2001) models have had this defect corrected but the pre 2001 vehicles still have this defect.
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. …
NHTSA investigations
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz SLK230 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (17), 1998 (14), 2001 (10) and 2000 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz SLK230 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Mercedes-Benz SLK230 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz SLK230 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the brake lights (35 mentions), followed by the tail lights (11).
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.