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1999 Mercedes-Benz SLKProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage51kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 17, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Exterior lighting30
Structure20
Electrical system10
Service brakes10
Visibility10
Visibility/wiper10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Exterior lighting: brake lights

Recall 05V-505 · Nov 1, 2005 · 69,278 vehicles

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other SLK year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SLK median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SLK owners report

Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10508606 · Apr 17, 2013
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
Complaint 10204612 · Oct 1, 2007 · 51,000 miles
TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER CAMPAIGN # 05V505000 ON 01/09/07 FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON HIS 1999 MERCEDES SLK. THE DEALERSHIP, R & H MERCEDES OWENS MILL, MARYLAND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT PERFORM THE RECAL REPAIR BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS PRESENTLY WORKING.
Complaint 10178398 · Jan 11, 2007

Own a 1999 SLK?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.