Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (3 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (2).

How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 9 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls and problems

1 recall and 9 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 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.

2003 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.

Most reported problems

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

Electrical system3
Exterior lighting2
Visibility2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Equipment1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Steering1

What owners report

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

Aug 22, 2011 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 116,223 miles
I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES SLK 230 , WHICH BRAKES ON IT'S OWN AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS . AFTER THE CAR BRAKES TO THE RIGHT FOR A COUPLE OF SECOND THE BAS/ESP LIGHT COMES ON . I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH (VERY SCARY). I HAVE SINCE HAD THE BRAKE SWITCH CHANGED , AND WHEEL SENSORS AND NEW BATTERY. I HAVE…

Sep 3, 2010 · Exterior lighting · 80,000 miles
2003 SLK 230 TAIL LIGHT STILL DEFECTIVE AFTER RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED.

Jun 29, 2010 · Electrical system · 74,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES SLK320 ( N/A). WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS , THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND AFTER THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER ALL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE.THIS HAS OCCURRED 10 ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED…

Jun 29, 2010 · Equipment
THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IN MY 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 230 (R170 MODEL) IS AN ELECTRO CHROMIC SELF-DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRROR CONTAINED A FLUID WHICH LEAKED OUT CAUSING THE SELF-DIMMING MIRROR TO FAIL TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS RESULTING IN THE DRIVER TO EITHER…

Jun 7, 2010 · Visibility · 90,000 miles
THE INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR IN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230 (R170) HAD A FLUID LEAK. THE MIRROR IS SUPPOSED TO BE A CHROMATIC AUTO-DIMMING DEVICE. DUE TO THE FLUID LEAK ALL OF THE DARKENING AGENT HAS MIGRATED TO THE CENTER OF THE MIRROR. THE MIRROR NO LONGER AUTO DIMS, IT CREATES MULTIPLE OBJECTS DUE TO GLARE AND…

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
2005	1	6	1
2006	1	2	0

All Mercedes-Benz SLK years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK?: Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (3 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (2).
How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 9 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 August 22, 2011.