U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

31 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

61,320 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 28 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 31 complaints (22.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	15	48.4%
Electrical and battery issues	2	6.5%
Transmission and shifting	1	3.2%
Engine operation	1	3.2%

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.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights

Service Brakes

Visibility

Exterior Lighting

Unknown Or Other

Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal

Air Bags:Frontal

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	7
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	7
Service Brakes	4
Visibility	4
Exterior Lighting	2
Unknown Or Other	2
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal	2
Air Bags:Frontal	1

Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 7; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 7; Service Brakes: 4; Visibility: 4; Exterior Lighting: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal: 2; Air Bags:Frontal: 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: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 1

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 3 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.

2001

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2019

2001: 1; 2003: 1; 2005: 4; 2006: 4; 2007: 2; 2008: 3; 2009: 3; 2010: 3; 2012: 2; 2014: 1; 2016: 2; 2018: 3; 2019: 2

Pattern summary

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 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 10137927 · 2005-09-27 (September 27, 2005)

YOU NEED TO INCLUDE MODEL YEAR 2001 IN YOUR INVESTIGATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE05051. BOTH THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN SEPT 02, WHEN THE CAR WAS OWNED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER DUE TO THIS FAILURE. I NOW HAVE ISSUES WITH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LAMP BULB SOCKET FAILING TO RELEASE, SO I BELIEVE THE SAME THING IS OCCURRING AGAIN. THIS INVESTIGATION SHOULD REALLY COVER ALL MERCEDES R170 THROUGH 2004. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10137927 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10173116 · 2006-11-10 (November 10, 2006)

I WAS INFORMED BY A REPAIR SHOP AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE ON 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230 THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED CAMPAIGN ID 05V505000 ON MY MAKE/MODEL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I SCHEDULED A APPOINTMENT WITH LOCAL DEALER TO GET THE SOCKET REPLACED. I WAS TOLD BY THE MERCEDES DEALER THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY MAKE/MODEL IS A PART OF THE RECALL BASED UPON INFORMATION VIEWED ON YOUR WEBSITE. WHY WOULD THE DEALER NOT REPLACE IT? ARE THEY NOT REQUIRED BY LAW TO PERFORM THE RECALLED WORK. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10173116 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10146539 · 2005-12-30 (December 30, 2005)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAVE DETERMINED OIL WAS LEAKING FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE ON TO THE WIRE FOR THE PEDAL, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 63,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10146539 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10262414 · 2009-03-19 (March 19, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. WHILE IT WAS RAINING, WATER ENTERED INTO THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT, WHICH WAS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING AND THE CONTACT HEARD A BUZZING SOUND COMING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THEN STARTED UP AGAIN. THE CONTACT DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF AT THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE THREE OTHER MERCEDES THERE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE CONTACT PAID $1,600 TO HAVE THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WER…

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10262414 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10207936 · 2007-11-05 (November 5, 2007)

I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. …

Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

31 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

90.3%Usable mileage28 / 31 records

96.8%Valid incident date30 / 31 records

100.0%Valid filing date31 / 31 records

96.8%Ordered incident and filing dates30 / 31 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	2004
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	1029.4% ODI 10079017 · 15,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10079017 at NHTSA ↗	1220.3% ODI 10059960 · 19,000 mi REARVIEW MIRROR HAS FOG INSIDE THE GLASS,MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT OF IT. BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO FAIL. ALSO, DASH LIGHTS FAILED. *AK Look up ODI 10059960 at NHTSA ↗	522.7% ODI 10133067 · 30,000 mi 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. AK NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE BUT OWNER PLANS TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF POCKET. AK *JB Look up ODI 10133067 at NHTSA ↗	722.6% ODI 10137927 · 37,000 mi YOU NEED TO INCLUDE MODEL YEAR 2001 IN YOUR INVESTIGATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE05051. BOTH THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN SEPT 02, WHEN THE CAR WAS OWNED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER DUE TO THIS FAILURE. I NOW HAVE ISSUES WITH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LAMP BULB SOCKET FAILING TO RELEASE, SO I BELIEVE THE SAME THING IS OCCURRING AGAIN. THIS INVESTIGATION SHOULD REALLY COVER ALL MERCEDES R170 THROUGH 2004. *JB Look up ODI 10137927 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Visibility	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1525.4% ODI 10229697 · 61,000 mi REAR VIEW MIRROR ( DONNELLY #010486) IS BLURRY AND HAS THREE DIFFERENT SHADES OF TINTING. I CAN BARELY TELL IF A VEHICLE IS BEHIND ME AND THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE ITS DISTANCE. *TR Look up ODI 10229697 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 10354374 · 88,000 mi THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IN MY 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 230 (R170 MODEL) IS AN ELECTRO CHROMIC SELF-DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRROR 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 MIRROR 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 RESULT OF USUALLY FROM THE INTE… Look up ODI 10354374 at NHTSA ↗	412.9% ODI 10250789 · 80,000 mi 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 MIRROR FAILED, LOSING ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS CAUSING ME TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR UP AND HAVE NO REAR VIEW CAPABILITY. *TR Look up ODI 10250789 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	38.8% ODI 10040169 · 51,000 mi WHILE DRIVING TAIL LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BURNING UP. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. NLM DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH NEWER VERSION. MECHANIC STATED THE ORIGINAL PART WOULD MALFUNCTION AT ANY TIME WITHOUT THE DRIVER BEING AWARE. CONSUMER STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL PART WAS REPLACED. PH *NLM Look up ODI 10040169 at NHTSA ↗	46.8% ODI 10120630 · 8,900 mi 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 I… Look up ODI 10120630 at NHTSA ↗	313.6% ODI 10088345 · 28,635 mi WE OWN A 2000 MERCEDES SLK 230. THE LIGHT, THAT WARNS OF A LAMP FAILURE SOMEWHERE ON THE VEHICLE, KEPT COMING ON. IT WOULD NOT STAY ON ALL THE TIME HOWEVER, AND WE COULD NOT FIND WHICH LAMP WAS MALFUNCTIONING. WE CALLED THE DEALER, MERCEDES-BENZ OF WILSONVILLE, (WILSONVILLE OREGON - [phone removed]) AND WERE TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN WHEN THE WARNING LAMP CAME ON AND STAYED ON. WHEN IT FINALLY DID, A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER, WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON AUGUST 16TH 2004. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPE… Look up ODI 10088345 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	58.5% ODI 10139157 · 26,000 mi BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE. I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE COMPLETE SOCKET NUMEROUS TIMES. EACH TIME THE SOCKET HAS MELTED. MBUSA TELLS ME THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DO NOT SEE ANY REASON TO FIX IT. EACH REPAIR RUNS ABOUT $300. I HAVE HAD MINE CHANGED NO LESS THAN 5 TIMES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS. *NM Look up ODI 10139157 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 11076461 · 129,670 mi REAR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT FUNCTION OR FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSING A POTENTIAL DANGER OF BEING STRUCK FROM BEHIND IN TRAFFIC. Look up ODI 11076461 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	250.0% ODI 10340452 · 66,180 mi MY BLACK MERCEDES 2004, 230SLK KOMPRESSOR, L4, 2.4L, SUPERCHARGED. VIN [XXX] HAD THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE ME-SFI MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON AND WAS DIAGNOSED AT THE BEVERLY HILLS MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WITH MISFIRING IN THE ENGINE (DUE TO THE CAMSHAFT SOLENOID AND THE MASS ALRFLOW SENOR (O2 SENOR) WAS DAMAGED, WITH A MAJOR OIL LEAK. I BELIEVE THAT OIL HAS LEAKED INTO THE MASS AIR FLOW SENOR FROM WICKING. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED THE SOLENOID 111-051-01-77-05 AND STARTER LINE 271-150-27--33, PLUG 111-997-01… Look up ODI 10340452 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	722.6% ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	35.1% ODI 10371727 1999 SLK230 MERCEDES BENZ. CONSUMER STATES CLEAR COAT WAS PEELING ON SEVERAL AREAS OF VEHICLE TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE BODY SHOP TO CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ, BECAUSE THE PAINT JOB DONE ON THE VEHICLE WAS POORLY DONE. JB Look up ODI 10371727 at NHTSA ↗	14.5% ODI 10838535 · 100,000 mi INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR: LIQUID WITHIN THE MIRROR IS OBSCURING MORE THAN 75% OF THE VIEWING AREA, MAKING THE MIRROR USELESS AND DANGEROUS. Look up ODI 10838535 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	12.9% ODI 10730611 · 125,000 mi 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 8/2… Look up ODI 10730611 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 11598585 · 50,000 mi 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 failur… Look up ODI 11598585 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10450673 · 10,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A WARNING LIGHT SIGNALING THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V505000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 03/15/12 *BF Look up ODI 10450673 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10819606 · 65,000 mi BOUGHT CAR WITH 60000 MILES AND AFTER 3 YEARS RIGHT SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING. REPLACED BULB AND ADAPTER BUT ALSO HAD TO BEND ADAPTER CONNECTOR PRONGS FOR BETTER CONTACT. SIX MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM AND REPLACED WHOLE RIGHT SIDE UNIT. SOME TIME LATER SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER SIDE. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID RECALL HAD BEEN DONE. MB OFFERED A $1000 TOWARDS NEW CAR. (FUNNY) REPAIRED WITH SAME ITEM AND SAME DEFECT, I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS RIGHT FOR MB TO GET AWAY WITH. Look up ODI 10819606 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 11076461 · 129,670 mi REAR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT FUNCTION OR FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSING A POTENTIAL DANGER OF BEING STRUCK FROM BEHIND IN TRAFFIC. Look up ODI 11076461 at NHTSA ↗	412.9% ODI 10475087 · 65,600 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE LOCKED AND THE ESP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,600. UPDATED 10/16/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECT WAS IN THE YAW… Look up ODI 10475087 at NHTSA ↗	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
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	51,075–98,648 mi	80,000 mi	7	ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10223735 · 52,150 mi WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN WET CONDITIONS (RAINING ON AND OFF), MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE RIGHT; IT FELT AS IF MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL BRAKES HAD APPLIED FOR A SECOND OR SO. I NOTICED THAT THE YELLOW TRIANGLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH BOARD THAT ALERTS ME TO THE APPLICATION OF THE ESC WAS BLINKING (AND CONTINUED TO BLINK UNTIL I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE). AS I RECALL, MY CAR WENT INTO THE LANE TO MY RIGHT BEFORE I REGAINED CONTROL. I HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL AT THE TIME. BECAUSE OF THE WET CONDITIONS, I ASSUME… Look up ODI 10223735 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10250062 · 92,296 mi FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS, ESP/BAS LIGHT WILL COM ON WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, AND BRAKES ARE APPLIED INVOLUNTARILY INTERMITTENTLY, CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD. ON OCCASION IS ALSO HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED IN CITY TRAFFIC. CONTACTED THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALER, THEY IMMEDIATELY BLAMED YAW RATE SENSOR, OR ACCELERATOR SENSOR MODULE REPLACEMENT RANGING BETWEEN $300-700.00 IN REPAIR COST IN ADDITION TO ANOTHER RELATED PROBLEM WITH STOP LIGHT SWITCH, ALTHOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE FAULTY PARTS, NO RECALLS ARE MADE, AND NHTSA ALSO IS AWARE, BUT HAVE CLOSE… Look up ODI 10250062 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	38,500–61,480 mi	52,000 mi	6	ODI 10137927 · 37,000 mi YOU NEED TO INCLUDE MODEL YEAR 2001 IN YOUR INVESTIGATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE05051. BOTH THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES HAD TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN SEPT 02, WHEN THE CAR WAS OWNED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER DUE TO THIS FAILURE. I NOW HAVE ISSUES WITH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LAMP BULB SOCKET FAILING TO RELEASE, SO I BELIEVE THE SAME THING IS OCCURRING AGAIN. THIS INVESTIGATION SHOULD REALLY COVER ALL MERCEDES R170 THROUGH 2004. JB Look up ODI 10137927 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10173116 · 61,000 mi I WAS INFORMED BY A REPAIR SHOP AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE ON 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230 THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED CAMPAIGN ID 05V505000 ON MY MAKE/MODEL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I SCHEDULED A APPOINTMENT WITH LOCAL DEALER TO GET THE SOCKET REPLACED. I WAS TOLD BY THE MERCEDES DEALER THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY MAKE/MODEL IS A PART OF THE RECALL BASED UPON INFORMATION VIEWED ON YOUR WEBSITE. WHY WOULD THE DEALER NOT REPLACE IT? ARE THEY NOT REQUIRED BY LAW TO PERFORM THE RECALLED WORK. NM Look up ODI 10173116 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10173154 · 61,640 mi 2001 SLK 230 COVERED UNDER TAIL/BRAKE LIGHT RECALL. MBUSA STATES THEY HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE VIN NUMBERS ON THE 2001-04 MODELS. THEY WILL NOT REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS. MY BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE MELTED AGAIN. 8JB Look up ODI 10173154 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	83,488 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10475087 · 65,600 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE LOCKED AND THE ESP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,600. UPDATED 10/16/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECT WAS IN THE YAW… Look up ODI 10475087 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11065704 · 101,375 mi THE MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230 2001 MODEL BRAKES RANDOMLY WITH THE FRONT TIRES LEFT OR RIGHT OR BOTH, ENGINE PERFORMANCE GOES DOWN TO SUPER SLOW FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND. THE CAR TURNS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND SLOWS DOWN ABRUPTLY AND ONLY DUE TO MY FAST REACTION I AM ABLE TO AVOID TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ! THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND ANY SPEED AND ANY PLACE. THE LAST TIME AT ABOUT 1MPH ON A PARKING LOT, BEFORE AT ABOUT 75MPH ON THE INTERSTATE ! Look up ODI 11065704 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11208370 · 60,000 mi THE CAR ENGAGES THE BRAKES ON IT'S OWN WHEN I'M DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 30MPH. Look up ODI 11208370 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility	Too few reports for a range	67,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10250789 · 80,000 mi 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 MIRROR FAILED, LOSING ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS CAUSING ME TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR UP AND HAVE NO REAR VIEW CAPABILITY. TR Look up ODI 10250789 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10253974 · 90,000 mi THE SELF DIMMING MIRROR IS DEFECTIVE AND PERMANENTLY INOPERABLE. UPON RESEARCH, IT IS A CONSTANT, COMMON, AND ACTUALLY SOMEWHAT PREDICTABLE AS FAR AS THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING. MANY HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THEM RIGHT AWAY AS THERE IS NO MANUAL OPERATION OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. AS A RESULT, YOU MUST RELY ON SIDEVIEW MIRRORS ONLY AND A FULL OVER 90 DEGREE HEAD TURN WHICH IS IN ITSELF A SAFETY HAZARD BOTH PHYSICALLY FOR SOME INDIVIDUALS AND A DRIVING HAZARD AS YOUR ATTENTION IS COMPLETELY DIVERTED FROM THE ROAD. TR Look up ODI 10253974 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10254058 · 54,000 mi THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IN MY 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 230 (R170 MODEL) IS A SELF-DIMMING MIRROR. THE MIRROR CONTAINS A FLUID WHICH IS LEAKING OUT CAUSING THE SELF-DIMMING MIRROR TO FAIL TO DIM AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS, RESULTING IN THE DRIVER TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR AWAY. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THESE MIRRORS FAILING IN VARIOUS MAKES AND MODELS AS A RESULT OF THE INTERNAL FLUID LEAKING. THE OEM MIRROR MAKER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND STEVE CHENLO, FROM MAGNA DONNELLY (HIS DIRECT LINE IS [phone r… Look up ODI 10254058 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	68,366 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10450673 · 10,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A WARNING LIGHT SIGNALING THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V505000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 03/15/12 *BF Look up ODI 10450673 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11150316 · 126,731 mi 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? Look up ODI 11150316 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	17,005 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11140508 · 9 mi HE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I MANAGED TO COAST TO A CORNER AND GET OFF THE MAIN STREET, THERE WAS NO WARNING.I HAD TO LEAVE THIS CAR FOR ONE DAY TO FIND IT TOWED BY POLICE , AND HAD TO CALL AND GET IT THE NEXT DAY PAYED 300$ AND GET IT TOWED AGAIN TO A MECANIC PAYED 85$ AND 100$ FOR CHECKING. THE MECANIC TOLD ME IT LOOK LIKE IT HAVE BIG PROBLEM, I DICEDED TO SEE A PROFITIONEL AND SO I HAD TO PAY AN OTHER TOWING FEE OF 80$ AND AN OTHER 110$ FOR CHECKING TO FIND OUT THAT THE HALL ENGINE JUST DAMAGED AND TOLD ME THAT … Look up ODI 11140508 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal	Too few reports for a range	41,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10041803 · 20,000 mi THERE IS A FEW SECONDS OF LAG TIME AFTER STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL BEFORE THE CAR ACCELERATES. LA Look up ODI 10041803 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10146539 · 63,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY HAVE DETERMINED OIL WAS LEAKING FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE ON TO THE WIRE FOR THE PEDAL, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. *AK Look up ODI 10146539 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
2024-11	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	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (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

2001: 3 complaints · 2004: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2001	1	2	3
2004	1	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2001	29	1	1
2004	4	0	0

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	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	Service Brakes	Visibility	Exterior Lighting	Unknown Or Other	Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal	Air Bags:Frontal
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	—	1 ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11241028 · 105,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE ESC ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. Look up ODI 11241028 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	1 ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Service Brakes	1 ODI 11241028 · 105,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE ESC ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE SUDDENLY ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. Look up ODI 11241028 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Visibility	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi I HAVE LESS THAN 50K MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR TWICE AND NOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME SERVICE NEEDED. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET NOT TO MENTION THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING IT IN THE SHOP SO MANY TIMES ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SENSORS AND TAIL LIGHT, WHICH MERCEDES DID NOT REIMBURSE FOR ORIGINAL CHARGE, JUST RE- REPLACED. NOW PROBLEMS HAPPENING WITH REAR MIRROR. THIS IS RIDICULOUS MERCEDES SHOULD STAND BY THERE PRODUCT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. … Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Air Bags:Frontal	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

3 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 9.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10207936 · 34,000 mi

Look up ODI 10207936 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10450673 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A WARNING LIGHT SIGNALING THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V505000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 03/15/12 *BF

Look up ODI 10450673 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10475087 · 65,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE LOCKED AND THE ESP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,600. UPDATED 10/16/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECT WAS IN THE YAW…

Look up ODI 10475087 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,150 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10223735 · 52,150 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN WET CONDITIONS (RAINING ON AND OFF), MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE RIGHT; IT FELT AS IF MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL BRAKES HAD APPLIED FOR A SECOND OR SO. I NOTICED THAT THE YELLOW TRIANGLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH BOARD THAT ALERTS ME TO THE APPLICATION OF THE ESC WAS BLINKING (AND CONTINUED TO BLINK UNTIL I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE). AS I RECALL, MY CAR WENT INTO THE LANE TO MY RIGHT BEFORE I REGAINED CONTROL. I HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL AT THE TIME. BECAUSE OF THE WET CONDITIONS, I ASSUME…

Look up ODI 10223735 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 36,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10262414 · 36,000 mi

Look up ODI 10262414 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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