2001 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 PER YEAR
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.
35% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.
Show complaint excerpts
2001 MERCEDES BENZ DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHERE WATER WAS GETTING INTO THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS GETTING THE HEADLIGHT REPLACED. *MR *SC
NHTSA ODI report, 20050822
23% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE RIGHT WHEEL STARTED AUTOMATICALLY BRAKING, WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING, WHEN I WAS TRAVELLING AT 55 MPH. IT ALMOST CAUSED TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. I FELT FORTUNATE THAT THERE WERE NOT OTHER CARS AROUND ME, THEN THE BAS/ESP LIGHT WILL CAME ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160830
19% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior and power window devices and controls.
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THE POWER WINDOW WILL ONLY GO DOWN HALF WAY, DO TO A LOOSE SCREW. *JB *SB *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20050502
19% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
THE MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230 2001 MODEL BRAKES RANDOMLY WITH THE FRONT TIRES LEFT OR RIGHT OR BOTH, ENGINE PERFORMANCE GOES DOWN TO SUPER SLOW FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180129
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE LOCKED AND THE ESP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120911
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
HE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181015
Also filed under ENGINE
THERE IS A FEW SECONDS OF LAG TIME AFTER STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL BEFORE THE CAR ACCELERATES. *LA
NHTSA ODI report, 20031014
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.