MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz SLK

○ Not enough data
1998 Mercedes Benz SLK
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:07:17.322Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz SLK Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 6 complaints 2006: 2 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012
1998: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19982
19996
20003
200119
200225
20039
20040
20056
20062
20070
20080
20092
20120

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

TIRES

1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

ON 02/02/2009 I HAD MY VEHICLE, A 1998 MERCEDES-BENZ 230SLK SERVICED FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. DURING THAT SERVICE THE SERVICEMAN INSPECTED MY TIRES AND BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THEY WERE BALD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090213

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ALL THE SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF CAR WAS SHOT OUT AND COULD NOT OPERATE THE BRAKE STEERING AND CAR WAS TOWED TO A FACTORY TRAIED MERCEDES BENZ FACILITY,...

NHTSA ODI report, 20080326

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ALL THE SUDDEN AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF CAR WAS SHOT OUT AND COULD NOT OPERATE THE BRAKE STEERING AND CAR WAS TOWED TO A FACTORY TRAIED MERCEDES BENZ FACILITY,...

NHTSA ODI report, 20080326

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060912 — exterior lighting

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FAILURE OF ONE OF THE SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS CAN OCCUR. THE BASE OF THE SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LAMP MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2006, TO APPROXIMATELY 8,200 OWNERS. PHASE II MAILING IS SCHEDULE ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 3, 2006, AND PHASE III MAILING IS

Campaign 05V505000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V505000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK?

The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.