MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz SLK

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz SLK
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:40:34.510Z

Only 9 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 9 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, 2003 highlighted. 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 19 complaints 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003 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
2003: 9 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19982
19996
20003
200119
200225
20039
20040
20056
20062
20070
20080
20092
20120

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.

Show complaint excerpts

I INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY OR REMOVE THE KEY AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN A BAD SECTION OF TOWN AND HAD TO WAIT FOR FLAT BED TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081115

VISIBILITY

2 of 9 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing rearview mirrors/devices.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 05V505000. MERCEDES BENZ USA HAS NOT PROVIDED INFORMATION TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AFTER INFORMING ME OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WITH THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY IN SLK MOTOR VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070222

STEERING

1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing power steering fluid.

Show complaint excerpts

AT APPROX. 52,000 MILES ON MY CAR, I TOOK IT TO GET SERVICED BY A NON MERCEDES DEALER SHIP, SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS OUT. THEY FOUND THE POWER STEERING LEAKING AND THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20061123

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20050922 — PE (closed 20051202)

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

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

2003 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V505000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes Benz SLK?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz SLK have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.