2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320
Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2001: 26 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 26 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
14 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Car driven normally on cold, clear night. Road condition was fair (Dry from centerline to travel lane midpoint w/ hard-packed snow from there to shoulder). Experienced a vibration, squealing noise & slight pull to right.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-07
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and wheels
On three occasions the brakes were applied by the stability control system without driver intervention. In the most recent occurrence this action placed the driver and other motorist in the vicinity of the car in extreme danger.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-09
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
I do not know what this is involving, but from what I have read it may be a sensor and everybody that has had this problem could not easily get a mechanic that understood what to do. This is a very dangerous issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-04
Electronic stability control (esc)
10 of 26 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
Driving low speed, about 30 MPH, right front wheel begins braking in anti-lock mode. Car pulls right. BAS/ESP light comes on. Was just driving, never touched the brake pedal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-17
While driving at speed with weather conditions clear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-20
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Exterior lighting
8 of 26 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
rear lights malfunction and UNKNOWN
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-21
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
6 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 26 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 10 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 8 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320 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 SLK320?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320 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.