VehicleVerdict

2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Slk years?

Slk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted30 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 9 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 23 complaints2002: 30 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 8 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 4 complaints2012: 0 complaints
Slk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Slk years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine240%
Lighting120%
Speed Control120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V505000LightingNovember 1, 2005 · 69,278 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

02V152000LightingJune 13, 2002 · 27,863 units

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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

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.

01I005000AirbagsApril 15, 2001 · 2,038 units

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 28, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 8, 2008

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 1, 2004

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 8, 2008

2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk — common questions

Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz Slk under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercedes-Benz Slk years should you avoid?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.