This vehicle stops dead in the road while driving and will not restart until it sits several minutes or more. It does not do this every time it is driven but this is very dangerous. After doing research, we find this is a common problem with this model, as well as a few other models of mercedes. We have contacted the federal safety agency but they will not respond as promised. We have called numerous mercedes dealers and they offer no solution except to bring it in and they will check it out for a big price. The problem with this is the car has to malfunction while they are checking it and it does not malfunction every time it is driven. They should be forced to recall these cars as this is a common dangerous problem. We cannot feel safe as long as this car shuts down with no warning.
The worst 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility22
- Lights17
- Electrical14
- Engine3
- Fuel system3
- Body2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
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 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 the federal safety agency recall no. 05v505 for more information.
PE05051
Refueling spit back
Two owners of the subject vehicles have had trouble refueling the vehicle due to excessive click-offs and spit-backs.Both owners have reported being completel soaked when gasoline sprayed from the tank.
PE99055
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 13
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- IPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
- Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control...
- Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- Water entry through front section of retractable hardtop with the following localization
- Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery...
- The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark
- Malfunctions of various control units and/or on-board power supply problems caused by water in the control...
- Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust...
- Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped...
1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19 | 27-28 | 22 |
What 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz slk230. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 10- 15 minutes. The failure recurred approximately 20 times. The contact had contacted the local dealer mercedes-benz of akron (1361 e market st, akron, oh 44305, (330)733-7511) who informed the contact that they were unable to identify the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes-benz slk230. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a few minutes and continued driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. The VIN was not available.
I,, was at the intersection of i35 and schertz parkway, in schertz. When the light changed, I saw no vehicles entering into y lane, so I proceeded to cross the intersection. I felt a big hit, and at first I couldnot figure out what had happened. Ifelt my face bleeding and hurting. When ems arrived they gave me first aide for my burn. I, took pain medicine and went to see my dermatologist for treatment.
1999 slk230 mercedes benz. Consumer states problem with bridgestone potenza tires *tgw the consumer stated almost from the day he purchased the tires, one of them had a slow leak. His mechanic checked it a number of times, but was unable to ascertain the source of the leak. The consumer attempted to get the tire replaced under warranty, but no one wanted to take responsibility.
Rear view mirror stay at night view , and the driver mirror is half & half.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz slk230. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed there was a dark spot in the center of the rear view mirror. Whenever light was shining on the mirror the contacts vision was distorted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the rear view mirror had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
1999 slk230 mercedes benz. Consumer states clear coat was peeling on several areas of vehicle *tgw the consumer was informed by the body shop to contact mercedes benz, because the paint job done on the vehicle was poorly done.
Mercedes benz 1999 slk 230 -rear view mirror failed ,the inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors are completely useless. 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. Both inside and driver side mirrors have failed . There is no way one can see - this is a real safety issue - mercedes dealer and mercedes USA say they have never heard of such a problem - dealer says it is normal wear. Theses are mirrors - not tires. Company that made the mirror has been aware of the problem for years since they offered replacements previous years.
My 1999 mercedes slk 230 interior and driver's side mirror have discolored till they are almost impossible to use.
Compare the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230
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Questions about the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230
Is the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 reliable?
Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230, 1.9 times a typical SLK230 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 22 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles. Next is lights (17).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19 city and 27-28 highway.
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