Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints by model year
Best SLK250 years: 2014, 2015. Compare all years →
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls (2)
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 owners say
Body & structure
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the convertible roof cover started to pull away from the cross-support members connected to the windshield. The contact stated that the separation failure of the roof top become more pronounced, and water there was water leaking into the vehicle, causing an electrical short circuit of the convertible roof controls and the courtesy lights located in the overhead panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the convertible top needed to be replaced; however, the convertible roof top was no longer manufactured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Complaint concerns the roof top panel problem on a 2013 Mercedes Benz slk 250. The roof issue occurred in July 2020 when the slk 250 had about 36,000 miles. The roof panel on the convertible top separated from the underlying cross-support member causing the roof panel to expand and separate which then causes the front part of the roof panel to bow noticeably when outside temperatures are above approximately 85 degrees. When the roof panel bows it creates considerable wind noise, and raises possible concerns of water entering the interior if driven while raining or possible separation of the entire roof panel from the automobile. The authorized Mercedes Benz dealership offered no repair other than an entire roof replacement at considerable cost (about $4,000). …
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 22 / 32 / 26 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 SLK250 rates average: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the SLK250 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250?
The body & structure — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (2) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250, the most recent from November 1, 2019 (communication). 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 SLK250?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014 and 2015. See the full Mercedes-Benz SLK250 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 37,000 miles; 67% 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.