The cars ignition switch locks up and prevents the car from starting, it can also cause the car to stall when running creating a very dangerous situation. Mercedes is aware of this problem with the ignition switch.
The worst 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes5
- Lights3
- Driver assistance2
- Electrical2
- Visibility2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes5
- Lights3
- Driver assistance2
- Electrical2
- Visibility2
- Engine1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 30
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- 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
- Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output
What 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Previous recall 05V505 has been completed but the issue has returned the issue has been intermittent for a fee months but the tail light has been non op for a few months, i have tried different sockets and bulbs to no avail. The issue has not caused any incidents but i have no brake light on the drivers side due to melting on the lamp itself aswell as the pins on the connector are warped
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the rear light had malfunctioned was displayed. Upon inspection, it was discovered that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s side brake light failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear lamp module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V505000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 106,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK320. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as it went into Limp mode. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he had replaced the spark plugs and the accelerator pedal; however, the failure persisted, and the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, the speed sensor, and the ignition coil were malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the defroster had failed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The bas/esp light and sudden braking just occurred today(10.11.16) on our 2002 mercedes benz slk 320. This happened three times in about an hour of driving on city streets between 15 and 45 MPH. One occurrence was while driving straight, the other two happened while changing lanes in moving traffic. The experience today was that the car had a brief momentary hard braking. First on the left front and then the right front (2 separate times). Each was a separate incident and each time the bas/esp light lit up afterward. After internet research, it appears that this is a common problem among the slk line and possibly extends to other models. In mercedes benz online communities, many others have stated experiencing this same problem. There are apparently numerous potential remedies. To my knowledge, the culprits(s) could be, but are not limited to, numerous sensors malfunctioning. I.e.: yaw sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, steering angle sensor, bas release switch, maf sensor, rotational speed sensor, to name a few. This seems to be occurring often enough to demand a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes-benz slk320. The contact stated that the tail lights failed and an unknown error message illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was previously serviced under a manufacturer satisfaction campaign; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the tail light assemblies were replaced, but the failure continued intermittently. The contact stated that the failure occurred on six occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. ..updated 07/20/16 *bf the consumer stated after the vehicle was returned from the dealer the gas cap light illuminated. The consumer was concerned the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Updated 10/19/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz slk320. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the brake automatically engaged causing the vehicle to restart. In addition, the rear and driver side mirrors automatically dimmed in lighting causing it harder to view the road when driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000. Updated 09/09/15*lj updated 10/31/2017
Fast moving traffic, dry weather. All of a sudden car applied brakes, thought I was having one of the tires breaking into pieces. This lasted until I pulled over and stopped, never experienced anything like this. An inexperienced driver in this fast traffic surely would have had an accident, maybe even fatally. Anyway, I saw nothing broken, all tire in tact, so I continued. This was in fl and having just purchased the vehicle the night before, I was on a long journey to my home state de. It did happen a couple of more time with lighter impact. Today is monday sept.29th, I am back and have been researching mbenz forums and found out, not definite, people believe it is yaw sensor. I believe this is a serious issue and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
The car suddenly brakes for about one second, and the bas-esp lights illuminate, and it resumes to normal driving.
Suddenly, for no reason, the right front brake activated, causing the car to pull to the right. This released within a second. I stopped and restarted. This happened again at about 60 miles per hour. I had the car checked by a certified mechanic. Several sensors were replaced. The problem continued several more times. I called mercedes about the problem. They wanted me to take it to dealer and pay the dealer to check the problem. The problem got worse over time. I had to replace the battery a few months ago. Since then, I have had no more problems. This causes a great deal of concern. I do not do know if the problem is fixed and if it is, what fixed it. This is know issue to mercedes.
Compare the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320
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Questions about the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320
Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320, close to a typical SLK320 model year.
What is the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 year score?
The 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz SLK320: 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 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320?
Brakes, with 5 complaints, typically around 64,807 miles. Next is lights (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK320 have?
No recalls on record.
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