Most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK320 complaints by model year
What 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 owners say
Brakes
* Brake system has failed by brakes applying randomly; research indicates due to faulty YAW sensor and Lateral Movement sensor per mechanic who retrieved the codes. Per Mercedes Benz, these sensors are no longer available and they're no longer making them. There are no aftermarket parts available. * Brakes have applied randomly at various speeds and causes a loss of control of the vehicle. This has been happening over the last few months and poses a very deadly situation. * Independent MB Specialist Master Mechanic pulled codes and confirmed problem. He advised there are no parts available. * No lamps indicated problem was imminent.
I do not know what this is involving, but from what I have read it May be a sensor and everybody that has had this problem could not easily get a mechanic that understood what to do. This is a very dangerous issue. This has happened now three times and I cannot drive the car now. I have low mileage on this car. I was driving about 55 miles and hour and suddenly my car braked, made a scraping noise & swerved to the right. This lasted 20 seconds. It scared me since someone was behind me and about ran into my rear end, not to mention other cars around me. My mechanic checked my car with the Benz computer system and did not find anything and told me sometimes this happens and it never happens again. Tonight it happened two more times on the freeway and while driving over the canyon where many cars go off the canyon road over cliffs. …
Stability & traction control
Vehicle applied brakes on it's own at highway speed and no driver application. The bas/ESP alarm lights came on and the vehicle seemed to be OK until it was turned off. The alarm cleared when restarted but the vehicle applied brakes again on it's own and the indicators came back on. The repair shop could not get a code because it was not on when they checked it. This has happened at least 10-12 times but only during hours when the business is closed. I let my local mechanic drive it for a week and it never happened with him. This is very sporadic but dangerous situation. I've seen numerous entries on slk forums with owners having the same problem with this vehicle.
While driving it, the car will act like I slammed on the brakes and the bas/ESP light will come on. I am not hitting the brakes when this happens, I am just driving along. Initially, these events happened at low speeds, more recently it happened at 50mph in the rain. There seems to be no connection to speed, acceleration, turning, or anything other than random faults. Dealer read an ESP code c1120-004, 016 ESP yaw sensor plausibility occurred 1 time and erased code. They could not duplicate the condition in a short test drive. Nevertheless, it happened again at freeway speed on the way home, and again the following day at slow speed.
Lights
Rear break lights were repalced in 2006 recall (05v05000). Same problem in jan of 2015. No chance of dealer standing behind the recall again. Now I have to pay out of pocket the cost to fix the lights that were recalled prior. Over $600. When they just replaced the recall with the same faulty lights. Turns out their c-class is now having the same recall problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320. The contact stated that the tail light failed to illuminate. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had been serviced 7 years ago under recall NHTSA campaign number: 05V505000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the tail light assembly would need to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000. Updated 12/23/14 the consumer stated the manufacturer was contacted and advised they would not be assisting with repairs because they assisted once before, on July 31, 2004. The owner had the vehicle repaired. Updated 9/28/2015
2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl supercharged | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the SLK320 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320?
The brakes — 14 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the stability & traction control (10) and lights (8).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 26% 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.