U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Mercedes Benz SLK problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

25 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

33,139 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 19 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 25 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	8	32.0%
Engine operation	2	8.0%
Electrical and battery issues	2	8.0%
Transmission and shifting	1	4.0%
Steering behavior	1	4.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Visibility

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Equipment

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	5
Visibility	5
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	3
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	1
Equipment	1
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch	1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	1
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	1

Electrical System: 5; Visibility: 5; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 3; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Equipment: 1; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2003: 4; 2004: 3; 2005: 3; 2006: 3; 2007: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 4; 2011: 2; 2013: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10022696 · 2003-06-09 (June 9, 2003)

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ABS LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022696 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10138211 · 2005-09-30 (September 30, 2005)

REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB HOLDER MELTED AND FUSED TO THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF MY 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK32 AMG. WHEN BULBS DO FAIL IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE THEM. IT IS ALSO A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD DUE TO THE MELTED PLASTIC. BOTH ENTIRE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 33,139 miles reported. Look up ODI 10138211 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10033763 · 2003-08-12 (August 12, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS ENGAGED THERE IS A LOT OF HESITATION, AND VEHICLE ALMOST STALLS ON THE ROAD IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. WHILE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES NORMALLY. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033763 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10063816 · 2004-03-24 (March 24, 2004)

CAR WANTS TO STALL/STOP/HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 3,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10063816 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022402 · 2003-06-05 (June 5, 2003)

WHEN THERE WAS A QUICK ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP POSITION, THE ESP(ELECTRICAL STABILIZER PROGRAM) SYSTEM ENGAGED. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STOPPING AFTER ACCELERATING FOR ONLY 2 FEET. THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL THE ESP SYSTEM DISENGAGED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10022402 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10163829 · 2006-07-28 (July 28, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT HAS DARKENED AND IT IS NOT RELATED TO THE BULB. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS BECOME DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE VEHICLE LEFT REAR BRAKE TO DARKENED. THERE IS A SIMILAR RECALL ON THE MERCEDES 170, BUT NOT ON THE SLK SERIES.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10163829 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022697 · 2003-06-09 (June 9, 2003)

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WILL BE IN THE DRIVING GEAR MODE. TRANSMISSION WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL GEAR. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022697 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10128945 · 2005-07-15 (July 15, 2005)

ON MAY 13, 2005, I PURCHASED A USED CAR FROM DC MOTORS OF ANAHEIM HILLS, CA. THE CAR CAME FROM WALTER MERCEDES RIVERSIDE, CA. THE CAR WAS NOT RECONDITIONED BEFORE SELLING. THE COMPANY INTENTIONALLY DEFRAUD ME SINCE I HAVE A PAPERWORK FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN THROROUGHLY CHECK FROM BUMPER TO BUMPER. TODATE, MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A TOTALLED OF 12 DAYS, 4 VARIOUS VISITS. THE FOLLOWING WERE THE PROBLEMS: MISSING GRILL, SHAKING IN THE STEERING, CAR NEEDS NEW TIRES AND FRON WHEEL ALIGNMENT, HUMMING NOISE, HOT AIR COM…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10128945 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

25 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

76.0%Usable mileage19 / 25 records

96.0%Valid incident date24 / 25 records

100.0%Valid filing date25 / 25 records

96.0%Ordered incident and filing dates24 / 25 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Visibility	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10450008 · 70,000 mi THE MIRROR IS SELF-DIMMING USING A LIGHT-SENSITIVE LIQUID BEHIND THE MIRROR. THE LIQUID LEAKED OUT OF THE MIRROR AND CREATED ACID STAINS ON THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE MIRROR IS NOW BLURRY AND SHOWS GHOST IMAGES OF ANYTHING BEHIND. IT ALSO NO LONGER AUTO-DIMS WHEN BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS APPROACH FROM BEHIND AND THERE IS NO LEVER FOR THE DRIVER TO USE TO MANUALLY DIM IT. THE EASIEST THING IS TO JUST TURN IT AWAY BUT THAT CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED MERCEDES-BENZ CORPORATE TO HELP IN THIS MATTER BUT THEY REFUSED SAYING THE PART IS OUT OF WARRANT… Look up ODI 10450008 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	526.3% ODI 10250947 VEHICLE TYPE IS 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK320 (R170 MODEL). THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS AN ELECTROCHROMIC SELF DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRRORS FAIL LOSING THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE DRIVER TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR UP AND HAVE NO REAR VIEW CAPABILITY. I KNOW OF MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THESE MIRRORS FAILING INCLUDING MY OWN. SOME FAIL BY JUST QUITTING WORKING WHILE OTHERS LEAK THE INTERNAL FLUID. *TR Look up ODI 10250947 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10250685 · 35,000 mi VISIBILITY SUMMARY: VEHICLE TYPE IS 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230 (R170 MODEL). THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS AN ELECTROCHROMIC SELF DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRRORS FAIL LOSING THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE DRIVER TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR UP AND HAVE NO REAR VIEW CAPABILITY. I KNOW OF MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THESE MIRRORS FAILING INCLUDING MY OWN. SOME FAIL BY JUST QUITTING WORKING WHILE OTHERS LEAK THE INTERNAL FLUID. *TR Look up ODI 10250685 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10335111 · 90,000 mi THE INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR IN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230 (R170) HAD A FLUID LEAK. THE MIRROR IS SUPPOSED TO BE A CHROMATIC AUTO-DIMMING DEVICE. DUE TO THE FLUID LEAK ALL OF THE DARKENING AGENT HAS MIGRATED TO THE CENTER OF THE MIRROR. THE MIRROR NO LONGER AUTO DIMS, IT CREATES MULTIPLE OBJECTS DUE TO GLARE AND INTERNAL REFLECTION. IT IS COMPLETELY UNUSABLE IN IT'S CURRENT CONDITION. THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS MIRROR MAGNA DONNELLEY USED TO OFFER FREE REPLACEMENT OF THESE DEVICES, WHICH HAVE A LONG TRACK RECORD OF FAILING, BUT NOW NO LONGER D… Look up ODI 10335111 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	150.0% ODI 10222373 · 31,758 mi WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ALL THE SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF CAR WAS SHOT OUT AND COULD NOT OPERATE THE BRAKE STEERING AND CAR WAS TOWED TO A FACTORY TRAIED MERCEDES BENZ FACILITY, DIAGNOSIS (NO POWER TO ME2 CONTROL UNIT) THE K40 RELAY MODULE WAS REPLACED WHILE IN GARAGE ANOTHER SLK MODEL WAS IN FOR SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM SINCE THIS COULD BE A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE IS REPORTED TO YOU. *TR Look up ODI 10222373 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10508606 THIS IS IN REGARDS TO RECALL NUMBER 05V505 FOR THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT. THIS RECALL OCCURRED IN 2006 AND THE LIGHT WAS FIXED. HOWEVER, IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THE SOCKED HAS GOTTEN HOT AND MELTED/DEFORMED THE PLASTIC SOCKET. I DON'T KNOW IF THE BULB WAS REPLACED ONLY BUT TO ME IT APPEARS NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE ON THIS CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10508606 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	210.5% ODI 10173859 I AM AN OWNER OF A 2001 SLK 320. I HAVE HAD CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH HEADLAMPS AND BRAKE LAMPS GOING OUT , BULBS MELTING IN LAMPS ON BRAKES AS WELL AS HEADLAMPS. IN THE BEGINNING THESE REPAIRS WERE PAID UNDER MANUF. WARRANTY. HOWEVER, I AM PAYING FOR REPLACEMENT BULBS, MOST RECENTLY A HEADLAMP PROBLEM I WILL HAVE TO HAVE REPLACED AT A COST CLOSE TO $600. TODAY I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM MERCEDES NOTICE FOR THE BRAKE LAMP PROBLEM. I QUESTION THAT THE SAME MAY BE TRUE OF HEADLIGHTS. MY CONDITION OF BRAKE AND HEADLIGHTS BEING REPLACED AS WELL AS … Look up ODI 10173859 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10022402 · 25,000 mi WHEN THERE WAS A QUICK ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP POSITION, THE ESP(ELECTRICAL STABILIZER PROGRAM) SYSTEM ENGAGED. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STOPPING AFTER ACCELERATING FOR ONLY 2 FEET. THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL THE ESP SYSTEM DISENGAGED. *JB Look up ODI 10022402 at NHTSA ↗	222.2% ODI 10325738 · 23,000 mi MERCEDES WITH 23,000 IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN. I REPORTED THE ISSUE OF INTERMITTENT PROBLEM TO DEALER AND ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT RESOLVED WHILE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD. THE DEALER SAID IT HAD NOT FAILED. WELL, THE WARRANTY IS GONE AND THE FAILING PART FAILED. IT IS EXPENSIVE AND APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE BASED ON MY DISCUSSION WITH OTHER OWNERS AND COMPLAINTS HERE. *TR Look up ODI 10325738 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 10178398 TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER CAMPAIGN # 05V505000 ON 01/09/07 FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON HIS 1999 MERCEDES SLK. THE DEALERSHIP, R & H MERCEDES OWENS MILL, MARYLAND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT PERFORM THE RECAL REPAIR BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS PRESENTLY WORKING. Look up ODI 10178398 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10099182 THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE BULB AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONSUMER WILL CONTACTED THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB Look up ODI 10099182 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	312.0% ODI 10163384 REAR BRAKE LIGHT MELTED IN SOCKET SO I AM UNABLE TO REPLACE THE BULB. MB DEALER SAYS I MAY NEED A WHOLE NEW REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. *NM Look up ODI 10163384 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10183295 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 05V505000. MERCEDES BENZ USA HAS NOT PROVIDED INFORMATION TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AFTER INFORMING ME OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY IN SLK MOTOR VEHICLES. SUBSEQUENTLY BOTH MY TAIL LIGHTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AND CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD. DEALERSHIPS CONTACTED HAVE NO INFORMATION FROM MBUSA ON HOW TO CORRECT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS AFFECTED IN THE RECALL. *JB Look up ODI 10183295 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	150.0% ODI 10222373 · 31,758 mi WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ALL THE SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF CAR WAS SHOT OUT AND COULD NOT OPERATE THE BRAKE STEERING AND CAR WAS TOWED TO A FACTORY TRAIED MERCEDES BENZ FACILITY, DIAGNOSIS (NO POWER TO ME2 CONTROL UNIT) THE K40 RELAY MODULE WAS REPLACED WHILE IN GARAGE ANOTHER SLK MODEL WAS IN FOR SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM SINCE THIS COULD BE A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE IS REPORTED TO YOU. *TR Look up ODI 10222373 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	210.5% ODI 10438662 · 164,000 mi THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR PULLS TO RIGHT AND THE SPEED PEDAL DOES NOT WORK. IT HAPPENS WHILE ACCELERATING AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LACK OF POWER TO CROSS A MAJOR INTERSECTION. THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON AND AUTOMATICALLY DISABLES THE SPEED/GAS PEDAL. *TR Look up ODI 10438662 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10348604 · 87,000 mi I BOUGHT A SLK 320 2002 MODEL AND WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT SIDE BRAKES SO VIOLENTLY THE TIRES SQUEAL, I AM AFRAID TO GET ON AN INTERSTATE, AND READING A LOT OF REVIEWS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR Look up ODI 10348604 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10421085 · 116,223 mi I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES SLK 230 , WHICH BRAKES ON IT'S OWN AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS . AFTER THE CAR BRAKES TO THE RIGHT FOR A COUPLE OF SECOND THE BAS/ESP LIGHT COMES ON . I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH (VERY SCARY). I HAVE SINCE HAD THE BRAKE SWITCH CHANGED , AND WHEEL SENSORS AND NEW BATTERY. I HAVE SINCE PICKED MY CAR UP AND NO PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 100 MILES UNTIL TODAY WHEN THE SAME THING OCCURRED AT A LOWER SPEED . CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP READING NO CODES !!!!!! I HAVE GONE TO THE MERCEDES FORUM AND I FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM … Look up ODI 10421085 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10463901 · 29,657 mi ON 3/22/2012 WITHIN A FEW HUNDRED FEET OF LEAVING A DRIVEWAY, THE RIGHT WHEEL SLOWLY SEIZED (WITHIN 100 FEET), ABS AND ESC WARNINGS APPEARED AND THE CAR BECAME IMMOBILIZED. THE CAR WAS FLAT-BEDDED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE RIGHT STEERING KNUCKLE AND RELATED WHEEL/PARTS WERE REPLACED. ON 6/23/2012 AT ABOUT 25 MPH, THE ABS, ESC WARNINGS SHOWED, THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT ON BRAKING. THE CAR WAS PULLED OVER AND PARKED, AND AGAIN FLAT-BEDDED TO THE DEALER. THE LEFT STEERING KNUCKLE AND RELATED PARTS WERE REPLACED. IN SHORT, THE RIG… Look up ODI 10463901 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10241819 · 80,501 mi FOR INVESTIGATION ON THE MERCEDES BENZ 2000 SLK. VEHICLE TO MB DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY SINCE PURCHASED NEW, FOR A PROBLEM WITH HARD/FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION. WHEN FULLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ON OCCASION THE CAR WILL BACKFIRE OR HESITATE, OR ALMOST STALL UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE TURBO-CHARGER (KOMPRESSOR). A CHECK OF THE SERVICE RECORDS FOR THE VIN NUMBER REVEALS THAT THE PROBLEM GOES BACK TO 10/25/04 WHEN THE O2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THAT SAME SENOR WAS R… Look up ODI 10241819 at NHTSA ↗	210.5% ODI 10315858 · 78,000 mi CAR HESITATES SOMETIMES WHEN TAKING OFF AND ACCELERATING IF I DON'T RELEASE CLUTCH PROPERLY. IT'S AS IF THE COMPUTER TAKES OVER AND PREVENTS CAR FROM ACCELERATING. I'VE STALLED CARS; THIS IS DIFFERENT. THE STALL IS NOT RELATED TO THE SHIFTING BUT TO THE ACCELERATION. IT'S LIKE THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE TAKES OVER AND STOPS THE ACCELERATION. SUCH IS NOT NEED AND ACTUALLY MAKES LESS SAFE THE CONDITION. IF I RELEASE THE CLUTCH A BIT OUT-OF-TIME I DON'T WANT MY ACCELERATION BEING CHANGED. THIS HAS HAPPENED NINE OR MORE TIMES. I AM INDICATING A DATE B… Look up ODI 10315858 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10369383 · 69,500 mi 2002 MERCEDES SLK320 FAILS TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY AND AT CRITICAL MOMENTS. GAS PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT THE CAR REMAINS AT IDOL SO THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS ARE GENERATED. POWER IS SLOW TO RECOVER BUT LEAVES THE CAR LIMPING ALONG AT IDOL UNTIL IT RESPONDS AGAIN. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE SAID THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR OR THE ENTIRE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS CAN COST $100 TO $400 EACH TIME … Look up ODI 10369383 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10513955 · 23,000 mi THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP HOME MODE" TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGH WAY: GEARSHIFTS NO LONGER POSSIBLE AND THE CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR. IT WAS PRODUCING VERY LOUD NOISE AND SCARY. A COLLISION COULD HAVE HAPPENED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND TALKING TO MY MECHANIC, MERCEDES-BENZ'S 722.9 TRANSMISSION IS A KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND WHAT MY MECHANIC TOLD ME, MOST MERCEDES BETWE… Look up ODI 10513955 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10241819 · 80,501 mi FOR INVESTIGATION ON THE MERCEDES BENZ 2000 SLK. VEHICLE TO MB DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY SINCE PURCHASED NEW, FOR A PROBLEM WITH HARD/FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION. WHEN FULLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ON OCCASION THE CAR WILL BACKFIRE OR HESITATE, OR ALMOST STALL UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE TURBO-CHARGER (KOMPRESSOR). A CHECK OF THE SERVICE RECORDS FOR THE VIN NUMBER REVEALS THAT THE PROBLEM GOES BACK TO 10/25/04 WHEN THE O2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THAT SAME SENOR WAS R… Look up ODI 10241819 at NHTSA ↗	15.3% ODI 10336658 · 30,000 mi THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I MANAGED TO COAST TO A CORNER AND GET OFF THE MAIN STREET. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND RAN NORMALLY, ONLY TO DIE IN TRAFFIC AGAIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER. *TR Look up ODI 10336658 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 10137393 · 1,846 mi EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 7 - 8 QUARTS IN 6800 MILES . *NM Look up ODI 10137393 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10508606 THIS IS IN REGARDS TO RECALL NUMBER 05V505 FOR THE DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT. THIS RECALL OCCURRED IN 2006 AND THE LIGHT WAS FIXED. HOWEVER, IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THE SOCKED HAS GOTTEN HOT AND MELTED/DEFORMED THE PLASTIC SOCKET. I DON'T KNOW IF THE BULB WAS REPLACED ONLY BUT TO ME IT APPEARS NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE ON THIS CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10508606 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	210.5% ODI 10173859 I AM AN OWNER OF A 2001 SLK 320. I HAVE HAD CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH HEADLAMPS AND BRAKE LAMPS GOING OUT , BULBS MELTING IN LAMPS ON BRAKES AS WELL AS HEADLAMPS. IN THE BEGINNING THESE REPAIRS WERE PAID UNDER MANUF. WARRANTY. HOWEVER, I AM PAYING FOR REPLACEMENT BULBS, MOST RECENTLY A HEADLAMP PROBLEM I WILL HAVE TO HAVE REPLACED AT A COST CLOSE TO $600. TODAY I RECEIVED A RECALL FROM MERCEDES NOTICE FOR THE BRAKE LAMP PROBLEM. I QUESTION THAT THE SAME MAY BE TRUE OF HEADLIGHTS. MY CONDITION OF BRAKE AND HEADLIGHTS BEING REPLACED AS WELL AS … Look up ODI 10173859 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10353794 · 80,000 mi 2003 SLK 230 TAIL LIGHT STILL DEFECTIVE AFTER RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. *TR Look up ODI 10353794 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10241819 · 80,501 mi FOR INVESTIGATION ON THE MERCEDES BENZ 2000 SLK. VEHICLE TO MB DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY SINCE PURCHASED NEW, FOR A PROBLEM WITH HARD/FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION. WHEN FULLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ON OCCASION THE CAR WILL BACKFIRE OR HESITATE, OR ALMOST STALL UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE TURBO-CHARGER (KOMPRESSOR). A CHECK OF THE SERVICE RECORDS FOR THE VIN NUMBER REVEALS THAT THE PROBLEM GOES BACK TO 10/25/04 WHEN THE O2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THAT SAME SENOR WAS R… Look up ODI 10241819 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10428838 · 91,000 mi TOOK MY CAR IN, IT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE, THEN THE ENGINE WAS WINDING OUT REALLY HI ON THE TACHOMETER, MERCEDES SAID IT WAS THE VALVE BODY MODULE IN TRANSMISSION, OK- THEN THEY TOLD ME MY ENGINE BALANCE SHAFT WAS NOT WORKING AND THE LABOR WAS 5628.00 THEY HAVE NOT YET QUOTED ME A PRICE ON THE PARTS FOR EITHER ISSUE. SAID THE ENGINE WILL JUST SEIZE UP WHEN DRIVING, I LOOKED THIS UP ON INTERNET AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT GOING ON WITH THIS BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE.IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THEY OVERLOOKED POSSIBLY ? MILES AS LOW AS 62… Look up ODI 10428838 at NHTSA ↗	2100.0% ODI 10452546 · 43,202 mi THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP INTERMITTENTLY & WON'T UP SHIFT. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY GO INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND MERCEDES-BENZ SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. A INDEPENDENT MERCEDES-BENZ REPAIR SHOP SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT ALL THE 7 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS ARE DOING. MERCEDES-BENZ WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY SAY THEY WON'T SELL THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS TO INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS. THEY FORCE THE CUSTOMER TO GO TO THEIR AUTHORIZE… Look up ODI 10452546 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	15,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10022402 · 25,000 mi WHEN THERE WAS A QUICK ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP POSITION, THE ESP(ELECTRICAL STABILIZER PROGRAM) SYSTEM ENGAGED. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STOPPING AFTER ACCELERATING FOR ONLY 2 FEET. THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL THE ESP SYSTEM DISENGAGED. JB Look up ODI 10022402 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10063816 · 3,700 mi CAR WANTS TO STALL/STOP/HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION. JB Look up ODI 10063816 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10137476 · 5,000 mi DT: 2002 MERCEDES SLK 230- WHEN STOPPING THE CAR, AND THEN TAKE OFF AGAIN THE CAR LOSES POWER. INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON AT THIS TIME. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE OR FOUR TIMES IN PAST YEAR AND A HALF. THE LAST TIME IT WAS IN THE SHOP FIVE DAYS AND DRIVEN 163 MILES AND THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, WHEN I PICKING UP THE VEHICLE DROVE IT ABOUT 10 MPH, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE CAR LOST POWER. THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER IT HAPPE… Look up ODI 10137476 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility	35,000–56,200 mi	40,000 mi	5	ODI 10250685 · 35,000 mi VISIBILITY SUMMARY: VEHICLE TYPE IS 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230 (R170 MODEL). THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS AN ELECTROCHROMIC SELF DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRRORS FAIL LOSING THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE DRIVER TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR UP AND HAVE NO REAR VIEW CAPABILITY. I KNOW OF MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THESE MIRRORS FAILING INCLUDING MY OWN. SOME FAIL BY JUST QUITTING WORKING WHILE OTHERS LEAK THE INTERNAL FLUID. TR Look up ODI 10250685 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10254050 · 40,000 mi THE INSIDE REAR VIEW AND THE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRRORS IN MY 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 32 AMG (R170 MODEL) ARE ELECTRO CHROMIC SELF-DIMMING MIRRORS THAT HAVE NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRRORS CONTAINED A FLUID WHICH LEAKED OUT CAUSING THE SELF-DIMMING MIRROR TO FAIL TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS RESULTING IN THE DRIVER TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRRORS AWAY WHICH GREATLY ELIMINATES REAR VIEW CAPABILITY IN THE INTERIOR. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THESE MIRRORS FAILING IN VARIOUS MAKES AND MODELS AS A… Look up ODI 10254050 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10340680 · 61,000 mi MB SHOULD RECALL REARVIEW MIRRORS FOR 1998-2003 SLK. LOOKING AT ARTICLES OVER THE INTERNET, LOTS OF SLK OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, SO THIS IS A KNOWN COMMON ISSUE FOR THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE REARVIEW HAS AN AUTO DIM FEATURE, AND THIS MIRROR USUALLY LEAKS MAKING THE MIRROR VERY DARK WHERE YOUR CANNOT USE IT ANYMORE. TR Look up ODI 10340680 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	Too few reports for a range	23,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10174596 · 21,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED AND AGREED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL, # 05V505000, CONCERNING BRAKE LIGHTS. HOWEVER, BOTH REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. Look up ODI 10174596 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10181284 · 25,000 mi I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO FOR MY 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320 DUE TO A FAULTY BRAKE / STOP LIGHT DESIGN. THE LEFT STOP LIGHT BULB HAD ALREADY BURNED OUT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, AND THE SOCKET WAS WARPED FROM THE HEAT. IT WAS REPLACED, BUT THE NEW BULB FAILED AGAIN THIS MONTH. TODAY I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED FROM, BILL USSERY MOTORS OF CORAL GABLES, FL AND I WAS TOLD, "YOUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL." IF NOT, THEN WHY DID MERCEDES BENZ USA MAIL ME A RECALL LETTER AND WHY IS THE BULB ASSEMBLY DEFECTIVE??? … Look up ODI 10181284 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	87,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10348604 · 87,000 mi I BOUGHT A SLK 320 2002 MODEL AND WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT SIDE BRAKES SO VIOLENTLY THE TIRES SQUEAL, I AM AFRAID TO GET ON AN INTERSTATE, AND READING A LOT OF REVIEWS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR Look up ODI 10348604 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch	Too few reports for a range	33,139 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10138211 · 33,139 mi REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB HOLDER MELTED AND FUSED TO THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF MY 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK32 AMG. WHEN BULBS DO FAIL IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE THEM. IT IS ALSO A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD DUE TO THE MELTED PLASTIC. BOTH ENTIRE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED.*JB Look up ODI 10138211 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	Too few reports for a range	28,319 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10080678 · 28,319 mi FUEL LINE FAILED AT PRESSURE REGULATOR CAUSING A CONSTANT FLOW OF GASOLINE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY IS ON BACK ORDER FROM GERMANY. APPEARS TO BE OVER TWO WEEKS FOR REPAIR. JUST GREAT!*AK Look up ODI 10080678 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2008: 0 complaints · 2009: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	0	0	0
2009	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2008	0	0	0
2009	1	0	1

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Visibility	Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Equipment	Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch	Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Electrical System	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Visibility	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Equipment	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 8.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 1,858 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10033763 · 15 mi

Look up ODI 10033763 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10063816 · 3,700 mi

CAR WANTS TO STALL/STOP/HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10063816 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 69,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10369383 · 69,500 mi

2002 MERCEDES SLK320 FAILS TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY AND AT CRITICAL MOMENTS. GAS PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT THE CAR REMAINS AT IDOL SO THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS ARE GENERATED. POWER IS SLOW TO RECOVER BUT LEAVES THE CAR LIMPING ALONG AT IDOL UNTIL IT RESPONDS AGAIN. SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE SAID THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR OR THE ENTIRE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS CAN COST $100 TO $400 EACH TIME …

Look up ODI 10369383 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b