2003 Mercedes Benz SLK
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.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 9 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 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, 2008-11-15
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, 2007-02-22
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, 2006-11-23
Service brakes
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2005-09-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-12-02 Brake lamp failure
-
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
2003 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V505000 · Exterior lighting
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.