Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 | −27% | 2 | Body | Few |
| 2014 | 2 | −27% | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2013 | 8 | 1.8× | 2 | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median SLK250 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz SLK250 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015 SLK 250, 2016 SLK 350, 2016-2017 SLC 300, and 2017 SLC 43 AMG vehicles. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system software may incorrectly keep the brakes slightly applied.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the ESC system, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air bags
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 SLK 250, SLK 350, SLK 55 AMG, SL 550, SL 63 AMG, and SL 65 AMG vehicles manufactured March 19, 2014, through May 5, 2014. Due to an air bag assembly error, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. Mercedes-Benz distributed an interim letter to owners on July 17, 2014.
Electrical system › Software
Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SLK250 and SLK350 vehicles manufactured October 9, 2012, through November 20, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not correctly differentiate between a child seat or a very light person being in the front passenger…
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on July 26, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK250 should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz SLK250 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz SLK250?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other SLK250 years at the same age, followed by 2015. 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 SLK250 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (5), fuel & propulsion system (3) and engine & cooling (3). Body complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SLK250 had?
4 recalls across 2013–2015. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Mercedes-Benz SLK250 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.