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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 26 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 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.
12 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASHShow 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, 20140107
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, 20200809
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, 20180104
10 of 26 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
CRASHShow 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, 20140107
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, 20241217
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, 20200809
8 of 26 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
rear lights malfunction and UNKNOWN
NHTSA ODI report, 20251021
6 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
rear lights malfunction and UNKNOWN
NHTSA ODI report, 20251021
2 of 26 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Mercedes Benz SLK320 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (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 46% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.