1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 77 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Slk230 year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 7 Slk230 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (30% of the total).
77
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Slk230 years?
What are the most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 23 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 19 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 15 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 6% | new |
| Engine | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FOR MY SLK 230 1999 , SPORT PACKAGE, THE RED AND BLACK INTERIORS, FADE AWAY CONSTANTLY , THE RED PAINT ON DASH AND CENTER CONSOLE IS VERY DELICATE, IT WILL SCRATCH ALL THE WAY DEEP ENOUGH TO SEE THE BLACK ORIGINAL COLOR OF THE SAME... CARDAN JOINTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOUR TIMES AND KEEPS BREAKING ,…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THAT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE BULB. THE REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE SOCKET BURNED OUT AND WHILE PLACING THE BULB IN THE SOCKET, THE DRIVER SIDE SOCKET BURNED OUT AS WELL. BOTH…”
“WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE DASH. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. *AK *SCC *NLM”
“THE CONVERTIBLE TOP INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT GO DOWN. SOMETIMES WHEN IT'S DOWN IT WONT GO UP. SOMETIMES IT GETS STUCK HALF UP AND HALF DOWN. THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SOMETIMES DON'T WORK FROM EITHER REMOTE. THEN LATER IT WORKS AGAIN. THE TOP NOR THE KEYLESS ENTRY CAN BE DEPENDED UPON TO WORK. *AK”
“WHEN REMOVING THE FUEL NOZZLE FROM THE FUEL TANK, FUEL SHOOTS OUT OF THE TANK LIKE A FOUNTAIN. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE IS PRESSURE IN THE TANK WHICH CAUSES THE FUEL TO SHOOT OUT OF THE TANK FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. WIHLE DRIVING HOME FOLLOWING THIS INCIDENT, THE ENGINE BUCKED, SURGED AND STALLED…”
1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 — common questions
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 77 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 7 Slk230 years. It is one of the Slk230 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 Slk230 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (23 complaints), lighting (19 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).
Does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230.
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz Slk230 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Slk230 years to avoid are 1999, 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among Slk230 years belongs to 2003.
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.