1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 problems

Filed Mar 15, 2021 · Steering · 81,059 miles · VA

While driving, the steering column shaft sheared off completely leaving the car with no steering control. Thanks to god this occurred right after a highway exit and while turning into my driveway. If this shaft had sheared 10 minutes before on a highway at 60mph speed, it would have lead to a possible fatalities and severe multi cars accident on a public high way traveling well over 65 MPH speed.

Filed Jun 26, 2015 · Lights · 125,000 miles · CA

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 replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v505000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 8/21/15

Filed Jul 12, 2007 · Body · FL

The gray interior of the mercedes benz 1998 slk230 was peeling off the console and most of the rest of the interior. It seemed to be a gray plastic film which was put over what looked like black leather. The car's interior was awlful looking with these black places showing through the gray throught most of the interior. I didn'tt think the interior of a mercedes benz should shred and peel no matter how old the car was.

Filed Mar 29, 2007 · Lights · 85,000 miles · NY

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 her to come back when they received the parts for the vehicle. The contact said that now the front lights were now being affected, and that she had been receiving numerous tickets because of this matter.

Filed Sep 13, 2006 · Lights · 101,500 miles · CA

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 months of the car no longer being under warranty, the socket failed after only 1 week of being replaced. Was told they would need to replace the rear brake light assembly (again), but this would not be covered under warranty. They said they could keep replacing the sockets, but that would only be a temporary fix. Dealer put in a new socket, this time twisting out the leads to get a better contact and it seems to be holding. (at least for now) the faulty rear brake light assembly should be a recalled item as it could lead to an accident and/or death.

Filed Apr 3, 2006 · Lights · 85,000 miles · VA

Rear brake lights have failed numerous times, replaced up until this point at owners cost. A recall was issued, and I've been told that my vehicle VIN is not within the range that they are replacing. My vehicle can not be driven now as it has failed it's vehicle inspection. The lights have been replaced at least twice each already.

Filed Mar 1, 2006 · Lights · 10,000 miles · FL

Rear brake light will stop working periodically due to melted socket. Owned the car since new and dealer replace sockets twice while under warranty. Since warranty expired I replaced the socket twice more on each side at a cost of $20.

Filed Jan 30, 2006 · Lights · WA

After driver's side tail light bulb burned out I replaced bulb three times before having to take it to a mercedes specialty repair shop. I was told I would have to replace the entire tail lamp assembly. While there it was mentioned that another consumer had the same problem.

Filed Sep 28, 2005 · Lights · 25,000 miles · OH

Rear brake lamps keeps burning out and will not function properly.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Lights · 39,000 miles · IL

Dt: both brake lights malfuctioned after extended use. The heat caused the socket and housing to distort and melt, leading to failure of the lights. *ak consumer still has defective parts for inspections and testing. If the federal safety agency need these parts please contact consumer.*sb