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
- 31
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 31 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
35% · 11 reportsMost 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-22
Electronic stability control (esc)
23% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2016-08-30
Visibility
19% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing interior and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
The power window will only go down half way, do to a loose screw.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-02
Service brakes
19% · 6 reportsMost 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, 2018-01-29
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, 2012-09-11
Vehicle speed control
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
He engine died while I was driving in traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-15
Also filed under Engine
There is a few seconds of lag time after stepping on the gas pedal before the car accelerates.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-14
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
2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 7 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.