Menu

1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 34 owner complaints about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, most often about the exterior lighting. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the SLK230 median · #2 of 4 years by complaints
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints342 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage39kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 15, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 has problems

34 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 lighting140
Structure60
Engine and engine cooling41
Power train42
Visibility21
Electrical system20
Fuel system, gasoline20
Latches/locks/linkages20
Air bags20
2 other systems20

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

0 recalls

1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other SLK230 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 SLK230 median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE LAMP FAILUREPE05051 · closed Dec 2, 2005
    Led to recall 05V-505
In owners' words

What SLK230 owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SLK230. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BASE OF THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LAMP MELTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE…
Complaint 10730611 · Jun 26, 2015 · 125,000 miles
TL*-THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN REFERENCE TO THE 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SLK WITH CURRENT MILEAGE: 85,000 A RECALL ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE DEALING WITH EXTERIOR REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND GAVE THEM THE INFORMATION, THEY SCHEDULED HER AN APPOINTMENT, AND TOLD…
Complaint 10186508 · Mar 29, 2007 · 85,000 miles
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE SLK. REPLACED ENTIRE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY ONCE UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SOCKETS EVERY FEW MONTHS FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE OWNED THE CAR. WITHIN 2…
Complaint 10168166 · Sep 13, 2006 · 101,500 miles

Own a 1998 SLK230?

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