VehicleVerdict

2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.5 times the median Slk year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 13 Slk years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (27% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Slk years?

Slk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Slk years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers827%
Electrical System723%
Lighting413%
Speed Control310%
Brakes27%
Seats13%
Other13%
Steering13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MB SHOULD RECALL REARVIEW MIRRORS FOR 1998-2003 SLK. LOOKING AT ARTICLES OVER THE INTERNET, LOTS OF SLK OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, SO THIS IS A KNOWN COMMON ISSUE FOR THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE REARVIEW HAS AN AUTO DIM FEATURE, AND THIS MIRROR USUALLY LEAKS MAKING THE MIRROR VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 28, 2010 · crash

“WHEN THERE WAS A QUICK ACCELERATION FROM A COMPLETE STOP POSITION, THE ESP(ELECTRICAL STABILIZER PROGRAM) SYSTEM ENGAGED. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE STOPPING AFTER ACCELERATING FOR ONLY 2 FEET. THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL THE ESP SYSTEM DISENGAGED. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED AND AGREED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL, # 05V505000, CONCERNING BRAKE LIGHTS. HOWEVER, BOTH REFUSED TO REPAIR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 31, 2006

“CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS ENGAGED THERE IS A LOT OF HESITATION, AND VEHICLE ALMOST STALLS ON THE ROAD IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. WHILE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES NORMALLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 6, 2002

“I BOUGHT A SLK 320 2002 MODEL AND WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT SIDE BRAKES SO VIOLENTLY THE TIRES SQUEAL, I AM AFRAID TO GET ON AN INTERSTATE, AND READING A LOT OF REVIEWS I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 5, 2010

2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk — common questions

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 13 Slk years. It is one of the Slk years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Slk problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), lighting (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.