Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK, the most recent reported on November 1, 2005 (Exterior lighting: brake lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility (6 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).

How many 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 19 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls and problems

2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 05V505000 · reported November 1, 2005 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 69,278 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 fix: 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.

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 02V152000 · reported June 13, 2002 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 27,863 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Visibility6
Electrical system3
Electronic stability control (ESC)2
Engine and engine cooling2
Exterior lighting2
Vehicle speed control2
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, other1
Power train1
Service brakes1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 1, 2013 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 110,700 miles
WHILE DRIVING UNDER 30 MPH, VEHICLE RANDOMLY APPLIES FRONT OR REAR BRAKE CAUSING A LOUD BRAKING SQUEAL AND CAUSING THE CAR TO BUCK OR PITCH TO ONE SIDE. IT HAS OCCURRED FROM A STOPPED POSITION AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT 90% OF THE TIME IT OCCURS AT SPEEDS UNDER 30-35 MPH WHILE JUST DRIVING IN A SIMPLE OR LONG…

Jul 9, 2012 · Exterior lighting · 29,005 miles
REAR BRAKE LAMPS FAILED OVER AND OVER SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 2001. DEALER REPLACED BULBS NUMEROUS TIMES AND LAST REPLACED L & R BULBS ON 12/29/2006 AT 29005 MILES. IN APRIL 2007 A SAFETY RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR REAR BRAKE LAMPS FAILURE. REAR LAMPS FAILED ONCE AGAIN AT 39697 MILES AND VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN TO…

Dec 5, 2011 · Vehicle speed control · 164,000 miles
THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR PULLS TO RIGHT AND THE SPEED PEDAL DOES NOT WORK. IT HAPPENS WHILE ACCELERATING AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO LACK OF POWER TO CROSS A MAJOR INTERSECTION. THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON AND AUTOMATICALLY DISABLES THE SPEED/GAS PEDAL.

Sep 23, 2010 · Visibility · 94,050 miles
THE AUTOMATICALLY DIMMING INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR HAS LEAKED PART OF LIQUID CRYSTAL FLUID, SEVERELY DISTORTING THE REFLECTED IMAGE. IN ADDITION, SINCE THE MIRROR DOES NOT HAVE ANT MANUAL ADJUSTMENT FOR DAY/NIGHT SELECTION, ANY BRIGHT LIGHTS FROM BEHIND TEND TO BLIND OR AT LEAST INTERFERE WITH THE PROPER VISION. THIS…

Jul 27, 2010 · Fuel system, other · 83,000 miles
I HAVE A 2001 SLK320. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY, SPECIFICALLY THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE FOR 5-6 SECONDS THEN SURGES. LOTS OF CARS HAVE THIS ISSUE. MB SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL.

SLK model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2000	2	3	0
2001	2	19	0
2002	2	25	1
2003	1	9	0
2004	1	0	0

All Mercedes-Benz SLK years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK, the most recent reported on November 1, 2005 (Exterior lighting: brake lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK?: Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility (6 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).
How many 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 19 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 1, 2013.