MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230

○ Not enough data
1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:16:04.558Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz SLK230 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1998: 34 complaints 1998 1999: 59 complaints 1999 2000: 22 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2004: 4 complaints 2004
1998: 34 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199834
199959
200022
200131
20044

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 29%

29% of complaints: exterior lighting — 10 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.*AK *TT

NHTSA ODI report, 20011228

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 6%

6% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 2 distinct reports on file.

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. *MR *CB *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030828

CONSUMER STATES THAT DOOR LATCH IS INOPERATIVE. CONSUMER HAS TO REACH OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE TO OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR.*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20020924

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20050922 — PE (closed 20051202)

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:brake lights, accounting for 29% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.