2001 Mercedes Benz SLK
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › SLK › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the owner's manual does not contain the proper headlamp aiming instructions.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with headlamp aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the operator's manual. owner notification began july 15, 2002. owners who do not receive the free instructions within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-201-573-0117.
Owner complaints
19 complaints4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
While driving under 30 mph, vehicle randomly applies front or rear brake causing a loud braking squeal and causing the car to buck or pitch to one side. It has occurred from a stopped position as I started to accelerate, but 90% of the time it occurs at speeds under 30-35 mph while just driving in…
While driving under 30 mph, vehicle randomly applies front or rear brake causing a loud braking squeal and causing the car to buck or pitch to one side. It has occurred from a stopped position as I started to accelerate, but 90% of the time it occurs at speeds under 30-35 mph while just driving in a simple or long curve. It has also happened in parking lots when applying the brakes by locking up one or more brakes so hard as to make very loud squealing sounds. this IS very scary and completely unsafe. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Rear brake lamps failed over and over since vehicle purchased in 2001. Dealer replaced bulbs numerous times and last replaced l & r bulbs on 12/29/2006 at 29005 miles. In april 2007 a safety recall was issued for rear brake lamps failure. Rear lamps failed once again at 39697 miles and vehicle was…
Rear brake lamps failed over and over since vehicle purchased in 2001. Dealer replaced bulbs numerous times and last replaced l & r bulbs on 12/29/2006 at 29005 miles. In april 2007 a safety recall was issued for rear brake lamps failure. Rear lamps failed once again at 39697 miles and vehicle was brought in to beverly hills mb to have recall performed on may 30, 2008. rear brake lamps have failed once again as of 6/1/ 2012 with 78000 miles on vehicle in spite of the recall. Inspections by an independent mercedes repair facility as well as simonson mercedes, santa monica reveal that the lamp sockets are failing due to electrical arcing and beginning to melt resulting in failure of the rear brake lamps to function. I am concerned that this IS a serious safety issue which may result in a rear collision. I am hoping that yet another safety recall campaign can be initiated as it seems that the first recall was not entirely effective. Thank you. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
The esp light comes on, the car pulls to right and the speed pedal does not work. It happens while accelerating and almost had an accident due to lack of power to cross a major intersection. The esp light comes on and automatically disables the speed/gas pedal. *tr
- Visibility
The automatically dimming interior rear view mirror has leaked part of liquid crystal fluid, severely distorting the reflected image. In addition, since the mirror does not have ant manual adjustment for day/night selection, any bright lights from behind tend to blind or at least interfere with…
The automatically dimming interior rear view mirror has leaked part of liquid crystal fluid, severely distorting the reflected image. In addition, since the mirror does not have ant manual adjustment for day/night selection, any bright lights from behind tend to blind or at least interfere with the proper vision. This defect should be considered a safety issue.the manufacturer's quote to correct this defect IS in excess of $300 for parts and labor. The same defect has been reported widely in various user groups and forums. In the past the mirror's manufacturer, magna donnelly corporation of holland, mi did provide free replacements under an extended warranty, but since early 2008 has discontinued to honor this practice without explanation. as this IS a quality issue with potentially serious safety consequences, I request the manufacturer of the vehicle, mercedes benz, to recall the affected vehicles and replace the defective mirrors. According to many owners, the auto dimming exterior mirrors also frequently suffer the same failures. *tr
- Fuel system, other
I have a 2001 slk320. There IS a problem with the gas pedal assembly, specifically the throttle position sensor. The car does not accelerate for 5-6 seconds then surges. Lots of cars have this issue. Mb should issue a recall. *Tr
- Visibility
Inside rear view mirror leaked and now does not dim and IS very cloudy and hard to see out of when driving. *Tr
- Electrical system
Mercedes benz slk320 just dies out while driving. no warning lights or anything before the motor stops and the car loses power. happens sporadically. mercedes benz cannot detect the direct problem even after diagnosis. continues to blame it on something else, then fixes it, but it continues to occur. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine died while I was driving in traffic. I managed to coast to a corner and get off the main street. after repeated attempts, the engine restarted and ran normally, only to die in traffic again about 5 minutes later. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control
Car hesitates sometimes when taking off and accelerating if I don't release clutch properly. It's as if the computer takes over and prevents car from accelerating. I've stalled cars; this IS different. The stall IS not related to the shifting but to the acceleration. It's like the computer software…
Car hesitates sometimes when taking off and accelerating if I don't release clutch properly. It's as if the computer takes over and prevents car from accelerating. I've stalled cars; this IS different. The stall IS not related to the shifting but to the acceleration. It's like the computer software takes over and stops the acceleration. Such IS not need and actually makes less safe the condition. If I release the clutch a bit out-of-time I don't want my acceleration being changed. this has happened nine or more times. I am indicating a date below because it IS required. it has not happened taking off onto a highway, but such IS a concern. I don't like my control over the accelerator being manipulated by software or some computer program. I'm 54 years old and have driven automatics and manual transmissions for hundreds of thousands and maybe a million or more miles. until this car, if I slipped a bit on the clutch my acceleration had never before in other cars been affected other than by my own foot to accelerator pedal. With this 2001 SLK 320, I can depress the pedal and it doesn't speed up, but bogs down. a mechanic told me it's the mercedes safety feature in the computer software. I find it a safety hazard, as it prevents my control of the car's acceleration and cause me concern as I am driving. I just wanted to report this, as the new stories blast toyota I realized I'D check on recalls on the 2001 SLK 320 mb, but I found none related to this issue. thank you. *Tr
- Structure
The trunk lid on the mercedes benz model slk320, all model years, falls down on its own onto the unsuspecting head of the individual loading or unloading the trunk. This has happened to me and other owners of this model. We all have shared this painful experience. It has happened to me 4 times in…
The trunk lid on the mercedes benz model slk320, all model years, falls down on its own onto the unsuspecting head of the individual loading or unloading the trunk. This has happened to me and other owners of this model. We all have shared this painful experience. It has happened to me 4 times in recent times. The struts, resembling shock absorbers simply do not hold up the lid tightly enough. Has been happening consistently; the lid fails all the time; consequences are a cut head, slight concussion and headaches; no parts were replaced, it seems to be a design flaw. *Tr
- Visibility
Inside rearview mirror fades, blotched, fogged. description: the inside rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes-benz SLK 320 (R170 model) IS an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to…
Inside rearview mirror fades, blotched, fogged. description: the inside rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes-benz SLK 320 (R170 model) IS an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away which greatly eliminates rear view capability in the interior. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking. In a vehicle owner forum, others have posted that they contacted the oem mirror makermagna donnelly , who refused to take ownership of the problem. The oem advice was to purchase another mirror at approximately $200, and pay for installation, which was approximately $100 from the dealership. About a year ago, there IS documentation that magna donnelly was replacing these mirrors for free but stopped for unknown reasons. *Tr
- Visibility
Year, make, model: 2001, mercedes benz, 170 failure mileage: 65000 the inside rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes-benz SLK 320 (R170 model) IS an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail…
Year, make, model: 2001, mercedes benz, 170 failure mileage: 65000 the inside rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes-benz SLK 320 (R170 model) IS an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away which greatly eliminates rear view capability in the interior. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking. *Tr
- Visibility
Vehicle type IS 2001 mercedes benz slk320 (R170 model). The inside rear view mirror IS an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors fail losing their ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing the driver to either be blinded or to have to…
Vehicle type IS 2001 mercedes benz slk320 (R170 model). The inside rear view mirror IS an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors fail losing their ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability. I know of many documented cases of these mirrors failing including my own. Some fail by just quitting working while others leak the internal fluid. *Tr
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
5 year old car with 15,000 miles (sunny day driver). rear view mirror has the auto tinting feature. the liquid tint bled between the layers of glass causing difficulties seeing the rear. dangerous driving condition. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I am an owner of a 2001 SLK 320. I have had chronic problems with headlamps and brake lamps going out , bulbs melting in lamps on brakes as well as headlamps. in the beginning these repairs were paid under manuf. Warranty. however, I am paying for replacement bulbs, most recently a headlamp…
I am an owner of a 2001 SLK 320. I have had chronic problems with headlamps and brake lamps going out , bulbs melting in lamps on brakes as well as headlamps. in the beginning these repairs were paid under manuf. Warranty. however, I am paying for replacement bulbs, most recently a headlamp problem I will have to have replaced at a cost close to $600. today I received a recall from mercedes notice for the brake lamp problem. I question that the same may be true of headlights. my condition of brake and headlights being replaced as well as a brake lamp replaced in the past, was so chronic, I ordered and paid out of pocket for electrical testing on my car where nothing wrong was discovered. my point here IS that I feel in addition to the brake light problem addressed by mercedes in my recall # 2006-080005, I believe it would be remiss for safety purposes to not announce that I believe the same condition applies to my SLK headlights. also, for such problems on the brake lights that existed in the past, what recourse do I have in monies I laid out of pocket, pertaining to the chronic brake light problem in my SLK 320. thank you. *nm
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was parked in a parking lot for 45 minutes afterwards, while attempting to turn the ignition on the battery exploded. the dealership was alerted. the model IS a slk320.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Failure of air mass meter after only 45,000 miles necessitating replacement. *jb
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Premature wearing of steering component in 2001 SLK 320 sport- tie rod ends/drag link worn out after only 48,000 miles. failure caused premature wear in front tires necessitating early tire replacement. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Mercedes benz autos have shift levers that cannot get wet, or the car IS incapacitated...i.e. Won't move out of 1ST gear (5 mph) or at all. rain on an open convertible shift lever (my problem) and/or coffee or beverage spills from holders positioned directly above the shifter can trigger vehicle…
Mercedes benz autos have shift levers that cannot get wet, or the car IS incapacitated...i.e. Won't move out of 1ST gear (5 mph) or at all. rain on an open convertible shift lever (my problem) and/or coffee or beverage spills from holders positioned directly above the shifter can trigger vehicle incapacitation.. consumers have to self-insure against this hazard as benz won't cover this widely known problem by warranty. Repairs typically cost more than $1000 with towing. there's no warning to keep the lever dry to prevent vehicle incapacitation, not by the lever nor in owners manual; there's no emergency bonnet for quick cover. There's no consumer warning. Many benz owners experience this problem but benz makes no recall. the condition IS a standing joke with tow truck drivers..."another benz". All benz personnel contacted by cell phone (ny & co) know the problem, but "consumer beware." a small amount of fluid incapacitates the vehicle and subjects the driver to potential accidents and roadside threats&the car must be towed/parts ordered. We lost five days ruining our vacation. the in-trunk shield to receive the retracting top was ajar because we had just removed light bulbs to return to a store&the top would not retract until the shield was adjusted. The car has an extended lease warranty but benz doesn't cover damages as (the 2 minute downpour) they view the rain as an act of god and I should contact my insurance company for towing and repair. to me, this IS insurance fraud. The dealership provided neither the parts nor the bills, but charged costs of repair and towing on my american express card without my signature. the card was provided the co dealer to cover any potential costs of a loaned vehicle. I still don't have the actual invoices the for approx $600 repair and $300 tow (although I have requested them by fax). Neither keeler benz of latham ny, gauzer benz of westminister co, nor mercedes benz will rectify the problem...25k mileage. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Transmission malfunction
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi…
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi has subsequently received nine more complaints alleging fluid contamination of the transmission shifter since the investigation was closed, none of which report crashes or injuries.these nine complainants mainly expressed dissatisfaction with the design of the cup holder and the cost of replacing the contaminated electronic selector module.similarly, in petitioner?s case she was able to operate the vehicle to a place where it could be safety stopped after the liquid spillage.the petitioner has not provided any evidence of a safety-related defect.in view of the foregoing and the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Brake lamp failure
In its letter dated october 28, 2005, mercedes-benz USA stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy defective brake lamp assemblies in model year 1998 through 2004 mercedes benz SLK vehicles.the base of the brake lamp socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.this deformation can cause movement…
In its letter dated october 28, 2005, mercedes-benz USA stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy defective brake lamp assemblies in model year 1998 through 2004 mercedes benz SLK vehicles.the base of the brake lamp socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.this deformation can cause movement in the socket-to-bulb connection, which may lead to a loosening of the electrical contacts in the socket, and failure of the bulb to illuminate.all rear lamp modules (which contain brake, turn signal, tail and backup lamps) will be replaced with redesigned rear lamp modules with a more heat resistant material and enhanced socket holder design to withstand the heat inside the rear lamp module.see nhtsa recall no. 05V505 for more information.
- Sudden engine shut down
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
- 10022893Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. Mercedes-benz model C230, C280, C350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, E350, E550, cls550, S600, and sl550. Equipped with M272 engine or M273 engine. Updated 8/28/08.
- 621570On some vehicles, upon release of the brake pedal and / or application of the accelerator pedal, there IS a 1-2 second delay until the actuator moves to the new accelerator pedal input position. This delay IS integrated in the engine management system as a safety feature and IS not subject to modification in the field.
Every Mercedes Benz SLK model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.