Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes-benz slk230. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the ESC warning indicator suddenly illuminated and the ESC activated. As a result, the front passenger side brake suddenly activated and the vehicle turned to the right. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 105,000.
The worst 2001 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.
- Lights10
- Driver assistance7
- Visibility7
- Brakes6
- Acceleration3
- Fuel system2
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 25
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
- During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Washer fluid system leaks
- Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
- Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats...
2001 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 | 18-20 | 27 | 21-23 |
What 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The car engages the brakes on it's own when I'm driving at speeds above 30mph.
More often than not, when I start up my vehicle an indicator for a light out appears on my dash. I have been pulled over several times for a right rear brake light being out. I have replaced the bulb numerous times. I was recommended to look on your web sight and I saw that a recall had been issued campaign id 05v505000 on my make/model for this problem. However when I put in my VIN number it produced zero recalls. How do I know if this vehicle has ever had the recall issue corrected? Also, what I can do to get the issue rectified?
He engine died while I was driving in traffic. I managed to coast to a corner and get off the main street, there was no warning.I had to leave this car for one day to find it towed by police , and had to call and get it the next day payed 300$ and get it towed again to a mecanic payed 85$ and 100$ for checking. The mecanic told me it look like it have big problem, I diceded to see a profitionel and so I had to pay an other towing fee of 80$ and an other 110$ for checking to find out that the hall engine just damaged and told me that I need a new one that will cost me 3500$.
The mercedes benz slk 230 2001 model brakes randomly with the front tires left or right or both, engine performance goes down to super slow for a fraction of a second. The car turns to the left or right and slows down abruptly and only due to my fast reaction I am able to avoid traffic accidents ! This can happen at any time and any speed and any place. The last time at about 1mph on a parking lot, before at about 75mph on the interstate !
My vehicle would would suddenly come to an abrupt stop without applying the brakes. It would do this at any speed. It was happening everyday. We had to stop driving it. We towed it to the dealer and they told us the yaw sensor was bad. There are many complaints about this on the internet. It is dangerous and could cause a deadly accident. The cost to repair was $1000.
The right wheel started automatically braking, without me doing anything, when I was travelling at 55 MPH. It almost caused to run off the road. I felt fortunate that there were not other cars around me, then the bas/esp light will came on. It felt extremely dangerous!
Vehicle type is 2001 mercedes benz slk230 (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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz slk230. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH that the rear wheels were locked and the esp warning light illumined on the instrument panel. The contact was able to merge to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the brake switch light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 65,600. Updated 10/16/12*lj the consumer stated the defect was in the yaw sensor. Updated 10/23/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz slk 230. Whenever the contact started the vehicle, he noticed a warning light signaling that the tail lights were not operating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where both rear tail light assemblies were replaced. However, prior to the failure the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v505000 (exterior lighting: brake lights). The current mileage was 78,000 and the failure mileage was 10,000. Updated 03/15/12
Compare the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230
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Questions about the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230
Is the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230, close to a typical SLK230 model year.
What is the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 year score?
The 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz SLK230: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230?
Lights, with 10 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles. Next is driver assistance (7).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercedes Benz SLK230 have the most lights problems?
The Mercedes Benz SLK230 model years with the most lights complaints are 1999 (17 complaints), 1998 (14 complaints) and 2001 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18-20 city and 27 highway.
VIN decoder
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