CarRecallDB

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls and problems

2 recalls and 25 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK.

2
recalls
25
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2002 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.

What owners report

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

Oct 21, 2013 · Visibility/wiper · 61,714 miles

THE AUTO DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR TURNED BLACK AND I CANNOT SEE OUT OF IT DEALER WANTS LIKE $800 TO REPLACE IT. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, ALSO THE AUTO DIMMING DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND CAN'T SEE OUT OF THAT EITHER, AGAIN MANY PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS COMPLAIN ABOUT…

May 31, 2011 · Visibility · 34,986 miles

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT DUE TO "LAVA LAMP/ DISTORTED BUBBLE" EFFECT IN AUTO-DIMMING REARVIEW AND SIDE MIRROR. I NEVER REALIZED SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THIS WEBSITE EXISTED. I WOULD HAVE FILED MY COMPLAINT A LONG TIME AGO. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF REPLACE A REARVIEW MIRROR BEFORE. ONE…

Jan 31, 2011 · Visibility · 56,200 miles

THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IN MY 2002 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK32 IS A SELF-DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED. THE MIRROR CONTAINS SOME KIND OF FLUID THAT LEAKED OUT ONTO MY CENTER CONSOLE AND THEN THE DIMMING EFFECT NO LONGER WORKED, LEADING TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION AT NIGHT. THERE IS NO MANUAL BACKUP WITH THIS MIRROR, IT…

Dec 6, 2010 · Vehicle speed control · 69,500 miles

2002 MERCEDES SLK320 FAILS TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY AND AT CRITICAL MOMENTS. GAS PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT THE CAR REMAINS AT IDOL SO THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS ARE GENERATED. POWER IS SLOW TO RECOVER BUT…

Sep 9, 2010 · Traction control system · 52,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ, SLK 320. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH , THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE BAS/ESP (TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT) CAME ON CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN TO 10 MPH ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. SUDDENLY THE BRAKES UNLOCKED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE…

SLK model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2300
2001 21900
2002 22510
2003 1900
2004 1000
2005 1610

All Mercedes-Benz SLK years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility (7 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
How many 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 25 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2013.