1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
44% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 34 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 34 |
| 1999 | 59 |
| 2000 | 22 |
| 2001 | 31 |
| 2004 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
44% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230. While driving at various speeds, the brake warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-26
Structure
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing body and trunk lid.
Show complaint excerpts
The car had a bad left door panel that was fixed under warranty last year. This summer I noticed that it was loose at the top so I had my wife take it in to be fixed. They fixed the panel and my drove home.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-09
Power train
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
This model has been evolved several times by the manufacturer more to market and in a hastily time,perhaps at the expense of the consumer and requires thorough investigation. No safety defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-09
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Transmission was defective while driving on highway. Vehicle will start to lose power. Also, there is some fluid leakage. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-12-28
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing turbo/supercharger and cooling system.
Latches/locks/linkages
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger door opened up when the vehicle went over a bump. The door buttons opened on their own while driving. Consumer had consistent problems with vehicle. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-28
Consumer states that door latch is inoperative. Consumer has to reach outside of vehicle to open driver's door.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-24
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 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
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 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 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.