2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls and problems

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK has 2 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls

Recall 05V-505: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2005 · 69,278 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 02V-152: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jun 13, 2002 · 27,863 vehicles affected · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.

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.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

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.

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility7
Electrical System5
Exterior Lighting4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Power Train1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Steering1
Tires1
Seats1
Equipment1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,139 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Visibility/Wiper · at 61,714 miles · reported Oct 21, 2013
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 this too. At one time the manufacturer of the mirror was sending free replacements since there were some quality control problems, but no more.
Visibility · at 34,986 miles · reported May 31, 2011
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 day I was driving and I noticed there was a bubble in the middle of my tiny mirror. It kept getting larger and didn't go away on its own. Naively, I thought it was just the outside humidity but I should have known better. This mirror costs way too much for the terrible…
Visibility · at 56,200 miles · reported Jan 31, 2011
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 is electric and once it fails, it stops working. I feel mercedes-benz should issue a recall on cars containing these mirrors and replace them.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 69,500 miles · reported Dec 6, 2010
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 leaves the car limping along at idol until it responds again. Several owners have said that they had to replace the pedal position sensor or the entire gas pedal assembly to correct the problem. This can cost $100 to $400 each time the problem happens. The unplanned operational flaw…
Traction Control System · at 52,000 miles · reported Sep 9, 2010
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 the vehicle home. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test. The test showed a glitch in the computer system. The local mechanic is currently replacing the computer which caused the brakes to lock up. Previously the contact called the manufacturer…

Other Mercedes-Benz SLK years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz SLK years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK: 05V-505 (exterior lighting), 02V-152 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Owners report visibility problems most often (7 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,139 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.