2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 recalls and problems

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 has 0 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is exterior lighting.

2001 Mercedes-Benz Slk230
Photo: 2001 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 by SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2001 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 5 SLK230 model years — the most of any year.

0recalls
31complaints
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
61,640median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

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0 recalls

No recall campaigns on file.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Exterior Lighting10
Electronic Stability Control7
Visibility7
Service Brakes6
Vehicle Speed Control3
Fuel System2
Unknown or other2
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Engine1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2001: 1 complaints20012003: 1 complaints2005: 4 complaints200542006: 4 complaints2007: 2 complaints20072008: 3 complaints2009: 3 complaints20092010: 3 complaints2012: 2 complaints20122014: 1 complaints2016: 2 complaints20162018: 3 complaints2019: 2 complaints20192

NHTSA investigations

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

PE05051 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Dec 2, 2005 · led to recall 05V505000
Summary

IN ITS LETTER DATED OCTOBER 28, 2005, MERCEDES-BENZ USA STATED THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES IN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SLK VEHICLES.THE BASE OF THE BRAKE LAMP SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME.THIS DEFORMATION CAN CAUSE MOVEMENT IN THE SOCKET-TO-BULB CONNECTION, WHICH MAY LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE SOCKET, AND FAILURE OF THE BULB TO ILLUMINATE.ALL REAR LAMP MODULES (WHICH CONTAIN BRAKE, TURN SIGNAL, TAIL AND BACKUP LAMPS) WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED REAR LAMP MODULES WITH A MORE HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL AND ENHANCED SOCKET HOLDER DESIGN TO WITHSTAND THE HEAT INSIDE THE REAR LAMP MODULE.SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V505 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

2001 vs. other Mercedes-Benz SLK230 years

2000: 22 complaints20002001: 31 complaints2001312002: 5 complaints20022003: 5 complaints20032004: 4 complaints20044

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2001. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 have recalls?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention exterior lighting (10), electronic stability control (7), visibility (7). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.