RoadVitals

2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
3
Latest Jun 11, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 1, 2005
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine240.0%
  • Brakes120.0%
  • Driver assistance120.0%
  • Powertrain (other)120.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
05V505000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Nov 1, 2005
69,278 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FAILURE OF ONE OF THE SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS CAN OCCUR. THE BASE OF THE SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME.
The risk: THIS DEFORMATION CAN CAUSE MOVEMENT IN THE SOCKET-TO-BULB CONNECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE SOCKET, AND FAILURE OF THE BULB TO ILLUMINATE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LAMP MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2006, TO APPROXIMATELY 8,200 OWNERS. PHASE II MAILING IS SCHEDULE ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 3, 2006, AND PHASE III MAILING IS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2007 FOR THE REMAINING OWNERS. OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITH THE UPDATED TRIM (POST-FACE LIFT) WILL GET AN INTERIM NOTICE DURING NOVEMBER 2006, ASKING THEM TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REAR TAIL LAMP REPLACEMENT LATER IN 2007. HOWEVER, IF THEY EXPERIENCE AN ACTUAL REAR LAMP FAILURE BEFORE THEY RECEIVE THAT NOTICE, THEY SHOULD COME TO THEIR DEALER IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2006080005View on NHTSA.gov
02V152000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Jun 13, 2002
27,863 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN THE PROPER HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-201-573-0117.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.View on NHTSA.gov
01I005000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Apr 15, 2001
2,038 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.
The remedy: MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG. OWNERS CAN CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP05007ClosedDefect Petition

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION

Opened Nov 7, 2005
Closed Mar 27, 2006

THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT COFFEE FROM A CUP, PLACED IN THE CUP HOLDER, SPILLED ONTO THE GEAR SHIFTER AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE?S ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONCERN RAISED BY THE PETITIONER WAS INVESTIGATED (SQ01-010) AND WAS CLOSED AFTER ODI CONCLUDED THAT THE FACTS DID NOT DEMONSTRATE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT.ODI HAS SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED NINE MORE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FLUID CONTAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SINCE THE INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED, NONE OF WHICH REPORT CRASHES OR INJURIES.THESE NINE COMPLAINANTS MAINLY EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION WITH THE DESIGN OF THE CUP HOLDER AND THE COST OF REPLACING THE CONTAMINATED ELECTRONIC SELECTOR MODULE.SIMILARLY, IN PETITIONER?S CASE SHE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE TO A PLACE WHERE IT COULD BE SAFETY STOPPED AFTER THE LIQUID SPILLAGE.THE PETITIONER HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY EVIDENCE OF A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING AND THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SQ01010ClosedInvestigation

SUDDEN ENGINE SHUT DOWN

Opened Sep 25, 2001
Closed Feb 4, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jun 11, 2014

CAR STALLS. UNABLE TO RESTART UNTIL AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ON 03/03/14 BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED ENGINE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FOR $842.04.. PROBLEM PERSISTED AND CAR KEPT STALLING IN TRAFFIC POSING POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES.. RETURNED TO DEALER ON 05/17/14 AND THE CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED FOR A TOTAL COST OF $1,672.49. ON 06/08/14 AGAIN STALLED IN TRAFFIC. RETURNED TO DEALER ON SAME DAY. DEALER HAS NO IDEA OF WHAT IS CAUSING PROBLEM.. UNTIL THE STALLING PROBLEM IS RESOLVED I AM RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF STALLING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ID
10597525
Incident
Feb 28, 2014
Mileage
71,750 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 11, 2008

FOR INVESTIGATION ON THE MERCEDES BENZ 2000 SLK. VEHICLE TO MB DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY SINCE PURCHASED NEW, FOR A PROBLEM WITH HARD/FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION. WHEN FULLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ON OCCASION THE CAR WILL BACKFIRE OR HESITATE, OR ALMOST STALL UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE ACTIVATION OF THE TURBO-CHARGER (KOMPRESSOR). A CHECK OF THE SERVICE RECORDS FOR THE VIN NUMBER REVEALS THAT THE PROBLEM GOES BACK TO 10/25/04 WHEN THE O2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THAT SAME SENOR WAS REPLACED ON 05/24/07. THE PROBLEM WAS AGAIN REPORTED TO AND DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER HYANNIS MA ON 06/21/07 DURING A TRIP TO CAPE COD AFTER IT OCCURRED ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING FROM VA TO CAPE COD. UPON RETURN TO VA, THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM ON 07/03/07. THE SAME PROBLEM WAS AGAIN REPORTED ON 01/30/07 WHERE IT WAS CORRECTED AS AN AIR INTAKE HOSE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS AGAIN REPORTED AND "CORRECTED" ON 11/09/07 .THE PROBLEM WAS AGAIN REPORTED AND CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE AIR MASS SENSOR YET AGAIN! ON 07/30/08. THIS TIME IT HAD OCCURRED IN THE INTERSTATE ON RAMP ACCELERATION LANE ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT DUE TO UNEXPECTED LACK OF ACCELERATION PERFORMANCE. THE PROBLEM AGAIN OCCURRED ON 09/08/08 DURING FULL ACCELERATION AGAIN. IT SHOULD BE NOTED HERE THAT I HOLD A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN SAFETY, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I AM ALSO VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE NHSTA SAFETY DEFECT REPORTING/INVESTIGATION SYSTEM AND THE DATA BASE RELATED TO SAFETY RECALLS AND TSBS. JOHN B. PRATT MAJ (USA RET). *TR

NHTSA ID
10241819
Incident
Sep 8, 2008
Mileage
80,501 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 1, 2004

THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE BULB AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONSUMER WILL CONTACTED THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10099182
Incident
Oct 1, 2004

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB-42-10-109

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AND OR HARDWARE CAN BEGIN TO CORRODE. INCLUDE ALL MODELS AND MODEL YEARS. *PE

033008

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. *NJ UPDATED 8/28/08. *PE

2001040001

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE FRONT LEFT, REAR LEFT AND / OR RIGHT SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS ON 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz Slk by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012001—
2010000—
2009210—
2008010—
2007010—
2006210—
2005610—
2004011—
2003911—
2002252146.2
2001192350.5
2000Viewing332—
1999610—
1998210—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.