U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

11 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

68,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 11 complaints (36.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	7	63.6%
Engine operation	2	18.2%
Electrical and battery issues	1	9.1%
Steering behavior	1	9.1%

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.

Service Brakes

Electrical System

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Exterior Lighting

Engine

Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Unknown Or Other

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Service Brakes	4
Electrical System	2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Engine	1
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Unknown Or Other	1

Service Brakes: 4; Electrical System: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Unknown Or Other: 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: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 2 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.

2012

2014

2015

2016

2023

2025

2026

2012: 1; 2014: 3; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2023: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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 10576072 · 2014-03-31 (March 31, 2014)

SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL…

Owner-reported narrative. 64,807 miles reported. Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10609717 · 2014-07-10 (July 10, 2014)

THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKES FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND, AND THE BAS-ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, AND IT RESUMES TO NORMAL DRIVING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 98,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10609717 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10730534 · 2015-06-26 (June 26, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, THE REAR AND DRIVER SIDE MIRRORS AUTOMATICALLY DIMMED IN LIGHTING CAUSING IT HARDER TO VIEW THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIE…

Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10730534 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11759368 · 2026-08-25 (August 25, 2026)

The cars ignition switch locks up and prevents the car from starting, it can also cause the car to stall when running creating a very dangerous situation. Mercedes is aware of this problem with the ignition switch.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11759368 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10915378 · 2016-10-11 (October 11, 2016)

THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR…

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

81.8%Usable mileage9 / 11 records

100.0%Valid incident date11 / 11 records

100.0%Valid filing date11 / 11 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates11 / 11 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	2001	2002	2003	2004
Service Brakes	1246.2% ODI 10458158 · 105,000 mi THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE CAME ON FOR A FEW SECONDS. *TR Look up ODI 10458158 at NHTSA ↗	436.4% ODI 10576072 · 64,807 mi SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL… Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	1038.5% ODI 10436485 · 45,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED WITH WEATHER CONDITIONS CLEAR. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND CAUSING CAR TO SEVERELY PULL TO THE RIGHT INTO OTHER LANE, LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE AROUND AND ESP/BAS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL RESTART. PROBLEM THEN REAPPEARED AGAIN AT SPEED AND WEATHER CLEAR TRIGGERING ON AND OFF MAKING VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE AGAIN LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS IT IS NOT JUST HAPPENING ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE OF MERCEDES BENZ. I HAVE SEARCH ONLINE(ESP/BAS PROBLEMS) AT BENZWOR… Look up ODI 10436485 at NHTSA ↗	218.2% ODI 10576072 · 64,807 mi SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL… Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	830.8% ODI 10532783 · 51,310 mi FIRST OF ALL, I JUST WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST MERCEDES BENZ ( HOUSE OF IMPORT IN BUENA PARK , CA). THE VEHICLE THAT I HAVE IS 2001 SLK 320 MODEL. THE VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN , CAMPAIGN # 2006080005. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN INITIATED DUE TO THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE BRAKE LAMPS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE BASE OF THE SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME. THIS CAN CAUSE A FAILURE OF EITHER BRAKE LIGHT. A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMP BULBS TO ILLUMINATE COULD LEAD TO A REAR END CRASH. I TOOK MY VEHICLE I… Look up ODI 10532783 at NHTSA ↗	218.2% ODI 11524795 · 106,000 mi The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the rear light had malfunctioned was displayed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s side brake light failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear lamp module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the V… Look up ODI 11524795 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	623.1% ODI 10450841 · 90,000 mi THE TWO ON BOARD COMPUTERS FAILED; BECAUSE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT INSIDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THEM TWICE. THE COOLING FAN CONTROL MONITOR IS DEFECTIVE AND FAIL; CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. I WAS TOLD THE COOLING FAN CONTROL MONITOR IS DEFECTIVE. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS NOW BECAUSE THEY CANT FIND THE RIGHT CONTROL MONITOR. *TR Look up ODI 10450841 at NHTSA ↗	218.2% ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	27.7% ODI 10436485 · 45,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED WITH WEATHER CONDITIONS CLEAR. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND CAUSING CAR TO SEVERELY PULL TO THE RIGHT INTO OTHER LANE, LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE AROUND AND ESP/BAS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL RESTART. PROBLEM THEN REAPPEARED AGAIN AT SPEED AND WEATHER CLEAR TRIGGERING ON AND OFF MAKING VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE AGAIN LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS IT IS NOT JUST HAPPENING ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE OF MERCEDES BENZ. I HAVE SEARCH ONLINE(ESP/BAS PROBLEMS) AT BENZWOR… Look up ODI 10436485 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 10609717 · 98,500 mi THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKES FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND, AND THE BAS-ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, AND IT RESUMES TO NORMAL DRIVING. *TR Look up ODI 10609717 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	27.7% ODI 10759045 · 52,500 mi DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES WITH THE HARD TOP DOWN (CONVERTIBLE) ON MY WAY HOME THEN START SMELLING SOMETHING LIKE PLASTIC BURNING THEN NOTICE SOMEONE FROM BEHIND ME WAVING/HONKING HER HORN, I PULL MY CAR ASIDE AND A LOT OF SMOKE COMING INSIDE THE ENGINE HOOD, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW FLAME COMING OUT UNDERNEATH FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE.MY CAR IS TOTALLY ENGULF IN FLAMES. Look up ODI 10759045 at NHTSA ↗	19.1% ODI 11759368 The cars ignition switch locks up and prevents the car from starting, it can also cause the car to stall when running creating a very dangerous situation. Mercedes is aware of this problem with the ignition switch. Look up ODI 11759368 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering	27.7% ODI 10638360 THERE IS A DEADLY ISSUE WITH THE 2001 SLK320 AND SIMILAR MODELS/YEARS, IN REGARDS TO THE LATERAL SPEED SENSOR AND THE YAW SENSOR. WHEN THESE SENSORS GO FAULTY, THEY ENGAGE THE BRAKES ON THE CAR WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE LATERAL SPEED SENSOR TRIGGERS THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT FORWARD, AND THE YAW SENSOR TRIGGERS THE BRAKES WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AS THE CAR IS STOPPED WHILE IT IS IN MOTION, REGARDLESS OF SPEED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME OVER A HANDFUL OF TIMES FROM DECEMBER 2013 WHEN I PURCHASED… Look up ODI 10638360 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	27.7% ODI 10519700 · 98,000 mi WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ALONG A STRAIGHT PAVED ROAD UNDER CLEAR CONDITIONS, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SUDDENLY LOCKED. THERE WAS A LOUD SCREECH FROM THE TIRE. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY FISHTAILED AND SWUNG THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE ONCOMING LANE AND DIRECTED THE CAR TOWARDS THE SIDEWALK WHERE PEDESTRIANS WERE WALKING. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST! AFTER SOME RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN VERY DANGEROUS, YET RELATIVELY COMMON, ISSUE WITH MERCEDES. DESPITE THE COMPLAINTS, A NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO THE FAULTY YAW SENSOR (TURN RA… Look up ODI 10519700 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

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
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	49,404 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10576072 · 64,807 mi SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL… Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10639907 · 16,600 mi FAST MOVING TRAFFIC, DRY WEATHER. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR APPLIED BRAKES, THOUGHT I WAS HAVING ONE OF THE TIRES BREAKING INTO PIECES. THIS LASTED UNTIL I PULLED OVER AND STOPPED, NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS. AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER IN THIS FAST TRAFFIC SURELY WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT, MAYBE EVEN FATALLY. ANYWAY, I SAW NOTHING BROKEN, ALL TIRE IN TACT, SO I CONTINUED. THIS WAS IN FL AND HAVING JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THE NIGHT BEFORE, I WAS ON A LONG JOURNEY TO MY HOME STATE DE. IT DID HAPPEN A COUPLE OF MORE TIME WITH LIGHTER IMPACT.… Look up ODI 10639907 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10730534 · 34,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, THE REAR AND DRIVER SIDE MIRRORS AUTOMATICALLY DIMMED IN LIGHTING CAUSING IT HARDER TO VIEW THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIE… Look up ODI 10730534 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	68,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	66,404 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10576072 · 64,807 mi SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL… Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	106,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11524795 · 106,000 mi The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the rear light had malfunctioned was displayed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s side brake light failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear lamp module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the V… Look up ODI 11524795 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	145,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11513974 · 145,000 mi The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as it went into Limp mode. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he had replaced the spark plugs and the accelerator pedal; however, the failure persisted, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, the speed sensor, and the ignition coil were malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that t… Look up ODI 11513974 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Too few reports for a range	75,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10881746 · 75,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED AND AN UNKNOWN ERROR MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SIX OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000… Look up ODI 10881746 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	98,500 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10609717 · 98,500 mi THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKES FOR ABOUT ONE SECOND, AND THE BAS-ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, AND IT RESUMES TO NORMAL DRIVING. *TR Look up ODI 10609717 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	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	1	None	ODI 11703211 Previous recall 05V505 has been completed but the issue has returned the issue has been intermittent for a fee months but the tail light has been non op for a few months, i have tried different sockets and bulbs to no avail. The issue has not caused any incidents but i have no brake light on the drivers side due to melting on the lamp itself aswell as the pins on the connector are warped Look up ODI 11703211 at NHTSA ↗
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	1	None	ODI 11759368 The cars ignition switch locks up and prevents the car from starting, it can also cause the car to stall when running creating a very dangerous situation. Mercedes is aware of this problem with the ignition switch. Look up ODI 11759368 at NHTSA ↗
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	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

2003: 0 complaints · 2004: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2003	0	0	0
2004	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2003	2	0	0
2004	1	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	Service Brakes	Electrical System	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Exterior Lighting	Engine	Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Unknown Or Other
Service Brakes	—	1 ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10576072 · 64,807 mi SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL… Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11759368 The cars ignition switch locks up and prevents the car from starting, it can also cause the car to stall when running creating a very dangerous situation. Mercedes is aware of this problem with the ignition switch. Look up ODI 11759368 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	2 ODI 10576072 · 64,807 mi SUDDENLY, FOR NO REASON, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATED, CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THIS RELEASED WITHIN A SECOND. I STOPPED AND RESTARTED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. SEVERAL SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. I CALLED MERCEDES ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE IT TO DEALER AND PAY THE DEALER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER TIME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS AGO. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NO MORE PROBL… Look up ODI 10576072 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10915378 · 68,000 mi THE BAS/ESP LIGHT AND SUDDEN BRAKING JUST OCCURRED TODAY(10.11.16) ON OUR 2002 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING ON CITY STREETS BETWEEN 15 AND 45 MPH. ONE OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE OTHER TWO HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN MOVING TRAFFIC. THE EXPERIENCE TODAY WAS THAT THE CAR HAD A BRIEF MOMENTARY HARD BRAKING. FIRST ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THEN THE RIGHT FRONT (2 SEPARATE TIMES). EACH WAS A SEPARATE INCIDENT AND EACH TIME THE BAS/ESP LIGHT LIT UP AFTERWARD. AFTER INTERNET RESEAR… Look up ODI 10915378 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Unknown Or Other	0	1 ODI 11759368 The cars ignition switch locks up and prevents the car from starting, it can also cause the car to stall when running creating a very dangerous situation. Mercedes is aware of this problem with the ignition switch. Look up ODI 11759368 at NHTSA ↗	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.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 18.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10730534 · 34,000 mi

Look up ODI 10730534 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11759368

Look up ODI 11759368 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 18.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 89,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10730534 · 34,000 mi

Look up ODI 10730534 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11513974 · 145,000 mi

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as it went into Limp mode. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he had replaced the spark plugs and the accelerator pedal; however, the failure persisted, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, the speed sensor, and the ignition coil were malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that t…

Look up ODI 11513974 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 106,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11524795 · 106,000 mi

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the rear light had malfunctioned was displayed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s side brake light failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear lamp module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the V…

Look up ODI 11524795 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule