VehicleVerdict

Mercedes-Benz Slk years to avoid

The Mercedes-Benz Slk years to avoid are 2002, 2012 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2008 is the cleanest year on record.

96

Total complaints

4

Recall campaigns

1998–2012

Years covered

2

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Slk years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2002High complaint rate30
2012Open safety investigation0

Every Slk year

YearComplaintsRecalls
2012avoid00
200941
200801
200701
200631
200581
200401
2003111
2002avoid302
2001232
200053
199991
199831

Common questions

What are the worst Mercedes-Benz Slk years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Slk years to avoid are 2002, 2012. The cleanest year on record is 2008.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Slk?

By complaint volume, 2008 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Slk years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz Slk have?

Across all model years, the Slk has 4 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 96 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.