2002 Mercedes Benz SLK
Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 25 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 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
7 of 25 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing exterior and rearview mirrors/devices.
Show complaint excerpts
Mb should recall rearview mirrors for 1998-2003 SLK. Looking at articles over the internet, lots of SLK owners have experienced this problem, so this is a known common issue for the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-29
Electrical system
5 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The auto dimming rear view mirror turned black and I cannot see out of it dealer wants like $800 to replace it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-21
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
When there was a quick acceleration from a complete stop position, the esp(Electrical stabilizer program) system engaged. This resulted in the vehicle stopping after accelerating for only 2 feet.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-05
Exterior lighting
4 of 25 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights and switch.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 25 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Service brakes
2 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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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
2002 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V152000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 05V505000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 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.