1999 Mercedes Benz SLK Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 17, 2013 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other SLK years
Not enough data 4th of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK. That ranks 4th out of 13 SLK model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is exterior lighting (3 complaints, 50%), typically at around 51,000 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

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

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Most common 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK problems

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

Exterior Lighting3 · ~51,000 mi
Structure2 · ~96,204 mi
Electrical System1
Service Brakes1
Visibility1 · ~70,000 mi
Visibility/wiper1 · ~70,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Exterior Lighting350%51,000——
Structure233%96,204——
Electrical System117%———
Service Brakes117%———
Visibility117%70,000——
Visibility/wiper117%70,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2007, with 3 complaints
2007: 3200732012: 1201212013: 220132

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1999 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.

This is in regards to recall number 05v505 for the driver side rear brake light. This recall occurred in 2006 and the light was fixed. However, it has failed again and has the exact same problem, the socked has gotten hot and melted/deformed the plastic socket. I don't know if the bulb was replaced…

Electrical System · received Apr 17, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10508606

The inside rear mirror of my 1999 mercedes benz slk 230 is an electro-chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained fluid has leaked out causing the self-dimming to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights but instead to be dark and full of bubbles…

Structure · received Feb 9, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10496945

The mirror is self-dimming using a light-sensitive liquid behind the mirror. The liquid leaked out of the mirror and created acid stains on the center console. The mirror is now blurry and shows ghost images of anything behind. It also no longer auto-dims when bright headlights approach from behind…

Visibility · received Mar 1, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10450008

The frame of my 1999 mercedes slk 230 has broken for no apparent reason. I had new tires put on it and an aligned and two weeks later the frame broke near the axle. This vehicle has not been wrecked previously and the frame should be stronger than it was. *tr

Structure · received Dec 13, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10211800

1998 mercedes-benz slk, both rear break lights burned out, plastic (blue) light blub holders are fused to the assembly due to extreme overheating condition. Cannot be removed by hand. Jb

Exterior Lighting · received Oct 1, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10204612

Other Mercedes Benz SLK years

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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 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK?

Owners most often report exterior lighting, structure, electrical system problems. The top one, exterior lighting, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1999 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 1999 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 1999 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.