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 PER YEAR
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.
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
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
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
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 (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V505000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
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 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz SLK have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.