U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz SLK230 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

150 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

61,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 to 2004 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 99 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights is the most frequently named component, appearing in 34 of 150 complaints (22.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	52	34.7%
Engine operation	8	5.3%
Electrical and battery issues	8	5.3%
Transmission and shifting	4	2.7%
Fuel system concerns	4	2.7%
Steering behavior	2	1.3%

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.

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights

Visibility

Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Electrical System

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Unknown Or Other

Exterior Lighting

Service Brakes

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	34
Visibility	20
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	11
Electrical System	8
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	7
Unknown Or Other	6
Exterior Lighting	5
Service Brakes	5

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 34; Visibility: 20; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights: 11; Electrical System: 8; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 7; Unknown Or Other: 6; Exterior Lighting: 5; Service Brakes: 5

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: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 23; 50,000 to 74,999: 28; 75,000 to 99,999: 19; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 4

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (28). 51 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.

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2021

2024

1999: 15; 2000: 6; 2001: 4; 2002: 4; 2003: 5; 2004: 10; 2005: 21; 2006: 15; 2007: 13; 2008: 12; 2009: 7; 2010: 12; 2011: 3; 2012: 3; 2013: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 3; 2016: 4; 2017: 1; 2018: 4; 2019: 2; 2021: 3; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 52 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 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 10065054 · 2004-03-26 (March 26, 2004)

WHILE BRAKING TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE TAIL LIGHTS. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 22,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10065054 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10079017 · 2004-06-29 (June 29, 2004)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10079017 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 564649 · 2002-03-22 (March 22, 2002)

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A FULL INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER ASKED THAT THE DEALER PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE FLUIDS, AFTER INSPECTION THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, WITHIN 15 MIN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND BLACK SMOKE FUMED SMELLING OF ANTIFREEZE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED EXTREME HEAT AT WHICH TIME THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, THE CONSUMER OBSERVED AN ANTIFREEZE PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR. NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 564649 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10126138 · 2005-06-21 (June 21, 2005)

WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND IDLING, ESPECIALLY SUMMER WEATHER, THE CAR STALLS OCASSIONALLY AND WON'T RESTART. MOST TIMES, WHEN DRIVING TO A DESTINATION, TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, RUNNING AN ERRAND, AND RETURNING TO START THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE WON'T START. THE PANEL LIGHTS ALL LIGHT UP, A CLICK, BUT NO CRANK OR TURNING OVER. AFTER LETTING THE ENGINE COOL DOWN OR SIT FOR A WHILE AND/OR PLAYING W/ THE KEY / IGNITION, THE ENGINE EVENTUALLY TURNS OVER. I'VE SPENT NEARLY $3,000 IN REPAIRS AND THE DEALER CANNOT ISOLATE THE PROBLEM. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN REPL…

Owner-reported narrative. 82,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10126138 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10096097 · 2004-10-20 (October 20, 2004)

MY SEAT SENSOR IN MY CAR FAILED AT 7000 MILES OF USE. I HAVE A LOW MILEAGE MERCEDES AND IT WILL COST ALMOST 875 DOLLARS TO REPLACE. THIS SENSOR DISABLES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IN CASE OF A BABY SEAT. I HAVE NEVER USED A BABY SEAT IN MY CAR AND IT IS NOW IN THE LOCKED (OFF) POSITION MAKING THE CAR EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR THE PASSENGER. FORTUNATELY I RARELY HAVE A PASSENGER BUT I WANT SOMEONE TO INVESTIGATE HOW OFTEN THIS SENSOR FAILS. WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW IT WAS TOUTED AS A SUPER SAFE CAR IN CASE YOU HAVE A BABY. NOW THAT IT IS IN LOCKED OF…

Owner-reported narrative. 7,347 miles reported. Look up ODI 10096097 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10034220 · 2003-10-12 (October 12, 2003)

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE DASH. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. *AK *SCC *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10034220 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10114458 · 2005-03-22 (March 22, 2005)

ENGINE THREW A ROD THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BLOCK AT 84,000 MILES FOR NO REASON.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10114458 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 609043 · 1999-02-01 (February 1, 1999)

TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING. YH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 609043 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 609770 · 1999-09-08 (September 8, 1999)

FUEL INJECTOR, IGNITION TRANSPONDER.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 609770 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11403158 · 2021-03-15 (March 15, 2021)

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT SHEARED OFF COMPLETELY LEAVING THE CAR WITH NO STEERING CONTROL. THANKS TO GOD THIS OCCURRED RIGHT AFTER A HIGHWAY EXIT AND WHILE TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. IF THIS SHAFT HAD SHEARED 10 MINUTES BEFORE ON A HIGHWAY AT 60MPH SPEED, IT WOULD HAVE LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FATALITIES AND SEVERE MULTI CARS ACCIDENT ON A PUBLIC HIGH WAY TRAVELING WELL OVER 65 MPH SPEED.

Owner-reported narrative. 81,059 miles reported. Look up ODI 11403158 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10138717 · 2005-10-05 (October 5, 2005)

BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT FREQUENTLY ON MY 1999 MERCEDES SLK 230. LIGHT SOCKETS BURN WITH DISCOLORATION AND PLASTIC MELTS AT THE SOCKET AND CIRCUIT BOARD ON THE REAR OF THE TAILLIGHT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE BURNED SOCKET FROM THE FIXTURE. THE INTENT OF THE DESIGN IS TO USE FINGER PRESSURE TO TWIST THE SOCKET OUT. DUE TO THE MELTING IT REQUIRES THE USE OF A WRENCH THAT THEN DAMAGES THE SOCKET SOMETIMES TO AN UNUSABLE CONDITION REQUIRING REPLACEMENT AT OWNER COST. DASH "BULB OUT" WARNING LIGHT IS TOO DIM TO NOTICE AND HIDDEN FROM …

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10138717 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2004

1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2004: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz SLK230 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Change in recalls
1998	34	Not available
1999	59	0
2000	22	0
2001	31	0
2004	4	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

66.0%Usable mileage99 / 150 records

94.7%Valid incident date142 / 150 records

100.0%Valid filing date150 / 150 records

94.7%Ordered incident and filing dates142 / 150 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
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	27,000–69,497 mi	39,000 mi	26	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 ↗ ODI 10121690 · 31,000 mi I HAVE A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230. THE BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTION ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER INFORMS ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE OF THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. IT SEEMS THAT WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. Look up ODI 10121690 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10124556 · 39,000 mi TAILLIGGHT ASSEMBLY BECOMES HEATED AND CAUSES FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET/HOUSING. DEALER STATES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND THEY CAN NOT KEEP THE PARTS IN STOCK FAST ENOUGH TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM Look up ODI 10124556 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility	52,500–89,487 mi	66,005 mi	18	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 ↗ ODI 10235333 · 39,125 mi VEHICLE TYPE IS 1999 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 10235333 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10250802 · 62,010 mi VEHICLE TYPE IS 1999 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 10250802 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	17,950–37,200 mi	28,635 mi	7	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 ↗ ODI 10065054 · 22,000 mi WHILE BRAKING TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE TAIL LIGHTS. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. AK Look up ODI 10065054 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗
Electrical System	68,885–128,503 mi	101,000 mi	6	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 ↗ ODI 10181425 · 77,000 mi TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. THE MERCEDES MECHANIC REPLACED THE LIGHTS AT THE CONTACTS HOME. PRIOR TO REPLACING THE LIGHTS PER THE RECALL, THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS NO LONGER WORKED, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THE FAILURES AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT TALKED TO THE MANAGER OF MERCEDES AND HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AT GAINING ASSISTANCE. AK Look up ODI 10181425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10957410 · 125,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND CONTINUED DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10957410 at NHTSA ↗
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 ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	67,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 11406379 · 115,000 mi THIS VEHICLE STOPS DEAD IN THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL IT SITS SEVERAL MINUTES OR MORE. IT DOES NOT DO THIS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, WE FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL, AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER MODELS OF MERCEDES. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE NHTSA BUT THEY WILL NOT RESPOND AS PROMISED. WE HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS MERCEDES DEALERS AND THEY OFFER NO SOLUTION EXCEPT TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WILL CHECK IT OUT FOR A BIG PRICE. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THE CAR HAS TO MALFUNC… Look up ODI 11406379 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Exterior Lighting	50,000–125,000 mi	65,000 mi	5	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Service Brakes	65,600–105,000 mi	101,375 mi	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 ↗ 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 ↗

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	Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	Visibility	Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Electrical System	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Unknown Or Other	Exterior Lighting	Service Brakes
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights	—	0	2 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 ↗ 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 10181425 · 77,000 mi TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. THE MERCEDES MECHANIC REPLACED THE LIGHTS AT THE CONTACTS HOME. PRIOR TO REPLACING THE LIGHTS PER THE RECALL, THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS NO LONGER WORKED, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THE FAILURES AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT TALKED TO THE MANAGER OF MERCEDES AND HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AT GAINING ASSISTANCE. *AK Look up ODI 10181425 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 ↗	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
Visibility	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	2 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 ↗ 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	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
Electrical System	1 ODI 10181425 · 77,000 mi TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. THE MERCEDES MECHANIC REPLACED THE LIGHTS AT THE CONTACTS HOME. PRIOR TO REPLACING THE LIGHTS PER THE RECALL, THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS NO LONGER WORKED, AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THE FAILURES AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. THE CONTACT TALKED TO THE MANAGER OF MERCEDES AND HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AT GAINING ASSISTANCE. *AK Look up ODI 10181425 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	1 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 ↗
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 ↗	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	—	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	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 ↗
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 ↗	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	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	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes	0	0	0	1 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 ↗	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	—

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

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

10 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 73,500 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 564649

Look up ODI 564649 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10126138 · 82,000 mi

Look up ODI 10126138 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315330

HELLO, THIS IS A PRE-EMPTIVE REPORT OF A PROBLEM WITH A COMPONENT IN 1998-2000 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 230 ROADSTERS. THE FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT HAS MANY SYMPTOMS BUT ONE SERIOUS SYMPTOM IS COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHICH CAN BE DANGEROUS. I AM HOPING THAT YOU DON'T ACTUALLY HAVE TO WAIT FOR CRASHES AND DEATHS BEFORE YOU INVESTIGATE. I ASK THAT YOU CONSIDER THE DOCUMENTED PROBLEM HERE AND SEE THE POTENTIAL FOR A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND ASK THE MANUFACTURER TO ADDRESS IT. THE PROBLEM ARISES FROM A POOR DESIGN/MANUFACTURING OF SOL…

Look up ODI 10315330 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,800 mi (8 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10138717 · 30,000 mi

Look up ODI 10138717 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10126138 · 82,000 mi

Look up ODI 10126138 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10178625

MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC SENT A SAFETY RECALL # 2006-080005. I MADE AN APPT AT MERCEDES BENZ AT KEARNY MESA, SAN DIEGO, THE SERVICE WRITER (ALFONSO) SAID THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE TAIL BRAKE LIGHT IF IT FAILS, BUT THE RECALL CLEARLY STATES THAT DUE TO THE HIGH HEAT CREATED BY THE TAIL BRAKE LIGHT THE BASE OF THE LAMP SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME, THUS WHEN YOU PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL THE TAIL BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT WORK BECAUSE THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THE RECALL ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REPLACEMENT MATERIAL IS M…

Look up ODI 10178625 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 0.7% 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