2001 Mercedes Benz SLK
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2001: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2012 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
6 of 19 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing interior.
Electrical system
3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Exterior lighting
2 of 19 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
Rear brake lamps failed over and over since vehicle purchased in 2001. Dealer replaced bulbs numerous times and last replaced l & r bulbs on 12/29/2006 at 29005 miles. In April 2007 a safety recall was issued for rear brake lamps failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-09
Electronic stability control (esc)
2 of 19 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
While driving under 30 MPH, vehicle randomly applies front or rear brake causing a loud braking squeal and causing the car to buck or pitch to one side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-01
Also filed under Service brakes
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2001-09-25SQClosed 2002-02-04 Sudden engine shut down
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R
2002-07-15Exterior lighting02V152000 Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." The owner's manual does not…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with headlamp aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the operator's manual. Owner notification began July 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive…
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I
2005-09-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-12-02 Brake lamp failure
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I
2005-11-07Defect petitionClosed 2006-03-27 Transmission malfunction
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R
2006-09-12Exterior lighting05V505000 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…
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V152000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 05V505000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.