1998 Mercedes Benz SLK Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 13, 2009 · 2 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other SLK years
Not enough data 7th of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK. That ranks 7th out of 13 SLK model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 50%), typically at around 31,758 miles. Complaints mention 1 injury. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1 · ~31,758 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~31,758 mi
Tires1 · ~17,584 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System150%31,758——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)150%31,758——
Tires150%17,584——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2008, with 1 complaints
2008: 1200812009: 120091

n = 2 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1998 Mercedes Benz SLK recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:brake lightsNov 1, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V505000 · 69,278 vehicles

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

On 02/02/2009 i had my vehicle, a 1998 mercedes-benz 230slk serviced for a routine oil change. During that service the serviceman inspected my tires and brought to my attention that they were bald. The tires in question were the third set of dunlops that this auto has had, the first being original…

Tires · received Feb 13, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10258618

While driving on highway all the sudden and without warning, car stopped in middle of highway, all electrical system of car was shot out and could not operate the brake steering and car was towed to a factory traied mercedes benz facility, diagnosis (no power to me2 control unit) the k40 relay…

Electronic Stability Control (esc) · received Mar 26, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10222373

Other Mercedes Benz SLK years

1999 SLK →

See all Mercedes Benz SLK problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK?

Owners most often report electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), tires problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other SLK model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.