2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls and problems

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 has 2 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
8
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls

Recall 19V-787: Communication

Reported Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Recall 13V-236: Electrical System, Air Bags

Reported Jun 4, 2013 · 71 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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.

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.

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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure3
Engine2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Air Bags1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,500 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 3, 2026
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 engine light automatically cleared. I scanned the OBD again and found code P0002 and a second code P000277 that was listed as stored and current Both codes refer to an issue with the high pressure fuel pump. I just recently purchased this vehicle with 35170 miles. I had the OBD…
Structure · at 74,000 miles · reported Dec 8, 2022
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 water leaking into the vehicle, causing an electrical short circuit of the convertible roof controls and the courtesy lights located in the overhead panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the convertible top needed to be…
Structure · at 36,500 miles · reported Dec 15, 2020
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 part of the roof panel to bow noticeably when outside temperatures are above approximately 85 degrees. When the roof panel bows it creates considerable wind noise, and raises possible concerns of water entering the interior if driven while raining or possible separation of the…
Engine · at 57,000 miles · reported Sep 6, 2018
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 feel they are deferring the issue until the warranty expires. I feel early failure of the timing chain or related parts is imminent.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 5,500 miles · reported Aug 25, 2015
The contact owns a 2013 mercedes benz slk 250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that one of the cylinders malfunctioned and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,500.

Other Mercedes-Benz SLK250 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz SLK250 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250: 19V-787 (communication), 13V-236 (electrical system, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250?

Owners report structure problems most often (3 reports), followed by engine (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,500 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.