2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250.

2
recalls
8
owner complaints
0
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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls

Communication

NHTSA campaign 19V787000 · reported November 1, 2019 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 24,226 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
The risk
An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Electrical system: software · Air bags

NHTSA campaign 13V236000 · reported June 4, 2013 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 71 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SLK250 and SLK350 vehicles manufactured October 9, 2012, through November 20, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not correctly differentiate between a child seat or a very light person being in the front passenger seat.
The risk
If the OCS incorrectly classifies a very light person as being a child seat, in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the system would deactivate the passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on July 26, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.

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.

Jun 21, 2026 · Air bags

The anti whip lash prevention malfunctioned and the headrest was launched forwards

May 3, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

While passing a vehicle on a two lane road, my vehicle lost power and went into limp mode nearly causing a head on accident. The check engine light came on and i immediately went to O'Reilly's Auto parts store and had their OBD scanner read the code. AP0002 code was read. I immediately returned home and the check…

Dec 8, 2022 · Structure · 74,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the convertible roof cover started to pull away from the cross-support members connected to the windshield. The contact stated that the separation failure of the roof top become more pronounced, and water there was…

Dec 15, 2020 · Structure · 36,500 miles

COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE ROOF TOP PANEL PROBLEM ON A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 250. THE ROOF ISSUE OCCURRED IN JULY 2020 WHEN THE SLK 250 HAD ABOUT 36,000 MILES. THE ROOF PANEL ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP SEPARATED FROM THE UNDERLYING CROSS-SUPPORT MEMBER CAUSING THE ROOF PANEL TO EXPAND AND SEPARATE WHICH THEN CAUSES THE FRONT…

Sep 6, 2018 · Engine · 57,000 miles

SIGNIFICANT TIMING CHAIN RATTLE WHILE DRIVING IN THE 2200-2900 RPM RANGE. ENGINE HAS LESS THAN 70K MILES AND IT SEEMS THAT THE CHAIN HAS STRETCHED OR IS TENSIONER IS FAILING. MERCEDES CLAIMS THEY CANNOT FIND SOURCE OF RATTLE AND REFUSES TO FIX IT, BUT ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS ENGINE. I…

SLK250 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 2800
2014 2200
2015 2400

All Mercedes-Benz SLK250 years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250, the most recent reported on November 1, 2019 (Communication). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (3 complaints), followed by engine (2).
How many 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 8 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 June 21, 2026.