2001 Mercedes Benz SLK

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2001 Mercedes Benz SLK
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:07:42.691Z

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.

How is this computed?

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

5 of 19 total reports mention: visibility.

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, 20120709

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, 20130601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20010925 — SQ (closed 20020204)

SUDDEN ENGINE SHUT DOWN

R 20020715 — exterior lighting

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 CO

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 T

Campaign 02V152000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20050922 — PE (closed 20051202)

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

I 20051107 — DP (closed 20060327)

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION

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

2001 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 02V152000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 05V505000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

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 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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