Mercedes-benz Slk230 problems

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The R170 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class range of compact luxury roadsters manufactured by Mercedes-Benz between 1995 and 2004, using a shortened variant of the W202 Mercedes C-Class platform.

With over 300,000 manufactured, the first generation SLK was replaced by the Mercedes R171 SLK in 2004.

The SLK nameplate derives from the roadster's design mission to be sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (compact).

photo of Mercedes-benz Slk230 car production

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Mercedes-benz Slk230 model years

mercedes-benz slk230 2003 photo
Slk230 2003
Mercedes-benz

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mercedes-benz slk230 2002 photo
Slk230 2002
Mercedes-benz

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Common Mercedes-benz Slk230 problems

The Mercedes-Benz SLK230 is a luxury roadster produced between 1996 and 2004, known for its sporty design and impressive performance. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its share of common problems.

One of the most frequently reported issues with the SLK230 is engine overheating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning thermostat, a damaged radiator, or a faulty cooling fan. Symptoms of engine overheating include steam or smoke coming from the engine bay, a temperature gauge that reads higher than normal, and a warning light on the dashboard.

Another common problem with the SLK230 is transmission issues. These can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, delayed engagement, or leaking transmission fluid. Transmission problems can be caused by worn or damaged clutch plates, low transmission fluid levels, or a faulty transmission pump.

Electrical problems are also a common issue with the SLK230. These can include a dead battery, malfunctioning lights, a faulty alternator, or a defective starter motor. Electrical problems can be caused by a variety of factors, such as corroded battery terminals, a bad alternator regulator, or a malfunctioning starter solenoid.

Suspension problems are another area of concern for SLK230 owners. These can manifest as a bumpy ride, uneven tire wear, noisy suspension, or loose steering. Suspension issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn or damaged suspension components, leaking shock absorbers, or damaged struts.

In addition to these common problems, the SLK230 can also experience issues with its interior and exterior components. For example, the interior trim paint can flake off, and the wheels can corrode.

To address these common problems, SLK230 owners should perform regular maintenance checks, including oil changes, transmission fluid changes, and regular tune-ups. If any issues arise, it is important to seek the help of a qualified mechanic to properly diagnose and fix the issue. It is important to address any issues as soon as possible in order to avoid more costly repairs down the line.

Mercedes-benz Slk230

Is the Mercedes SLK 230 a good car?

Most Reliable Modern Mercedes You Can Buy!

I owned a R170 1999 Mercedes SLK230 Kompressor. I purchased this car with 91,500 miles on it for $5100 and I think that was the best auto buying decision I've made in a long time, I kept the car for 1 year and 8,000 miles and didnt have a single problem! Not 1 thing!

How many miles does a Mercedes SLK last?

What is Mercedes Slk lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Mercedes Slk is 147,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.

Which is the best engine in the Mercedes SLK?

The most powerful engine is the six-cylinder 306bhp 350 and only the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox is available for this model. It can complete the benchmark sprint in 5.6 seconds and has an achievable electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

How much does it cost to maintain a Mercedes SLK?

The annual maintenance cost of a Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is $808.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Mercedes-benz Slk230 years

We have researched Mercedes-benz problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mercedes-benz Slk230 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Mercedes-benz Slk230 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mercedes-benz Slk230 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Mercedes-benz Slk230 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Mercedes-benz Slk230 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Mercedes-benz Slk230 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Engine problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Mercedes-benz Slk230 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mercedes-benz Slk230 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mercedes-benz Slk230 vehicles.

List of Mercedes-benz Slk230 complaints

Mercedes-benz Slk230 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-12-19
  • Date Complaint: 2021-05-09
  • VIN: WDBRN40JX3A
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: CONSTANT CODE PO171
Mercedes-benz Slk230 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-10-19
  • Date Complaint: 2020-10-22
  • VIN: WDBKK49F03F
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: MY DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED 11 TIMES. THE RECALL TO FIX IT FAILED AND MERCEDES WONT CORRECT THE TAIL LIGHT SYSTEM. NO BRAKE LIGHT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC, IN MAKING LEFT TURNS ESPECIALLY! BRAKING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LIGHT FUNCTION ON ANY VEHICLE!
Mercedes-benz Slk230 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-06
  • Date Complaint: 2020-08-07
  • VIN: WDBKK65F23F
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL LOCKS UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT 40 MPH (IN TOWN) AND ALSO 65 MPH (ON HIGHWAY), ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT ANOTHER CAR AND RUN OFF THE ROAD. ITS HAPPENS TWICE FOR ONLY 3 SECONDS AT A TIME. THE BAS, SAP AND EMERGENCY LIGHTS ALL COME ON AT THIS TIME.
Mercedes-benz Slk230 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-10
  • Date Complaint: 2020-07-17
  • VIN: WDBKK49F23F
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT STATED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY START WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION KEY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF BEAVERTON LOCATED AT 9275 SOUTH WEST CANYON RD PORTLAND OR 97225 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.
Mercedes-benz Slk230 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-13
  • Date Complaint: 2019-09-16
  • VIN: WDBKK49F23F
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING TO WORK, A FELLOW MOTORIST FLAGGED HER DOWN AND ALERTED HER THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH OLMSTED (28450 LORAIN RD, NORTH OLMSTED, OH 44070, 440-716-2700) TO BE SERVICED. THE DEALER FOUND A NAIL INSIDE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V505000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,347.

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