2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (2) · Vehicle Speed Control (1) · Power Train (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (31)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 31 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2022-09-28 · Power Train“the transmission on my 26700 miles car did not shift and the car wouldn’t move on the intersection as well as on the highway where the car would just roll without accepting the gas pedal. most dangerous on the intersection where cars behind mine would just go without making sure my mercedes is moving(which it didn’t). the mechanic mentioned that tr…”
2020-08-25 · Unknown Or Other · 115,600 mi“the headliner/ceiling of the car is falling apart. particularly the cloth under the sunroof all came off with the adhesiveness is lost and directly falls onto ones's face while driving and it could be fatal. mercedes dealer acknowledged the issue but did not authorize a covered repair. this is real safety concern and there can be choking or other u…”
2020-03-26 · Vehicle Speed Control · 146,000 mi“my gear shifter is defective as i have problem taking it out of gear stationary to drive and also the car does not know what gear i shift into causing high engine revive in the engine and sometimes the car will not drive as it won't move in the middle of traffic on the local roads and highway while in motion from driving.also the check engine light…”
2017-09-11 · Service Brakes · 120,000 mi“i was driving on the freeway doing about 55 mph when all of the sudden the car brakes by it self with no warning whats so ever , that was a very scary situation i had vehicles behind me and they had to brake too, that was for about 3 to 5 seconds , i was shaking and scare because i didn't know what happen, another time around the corner from my h…”
2017-08-22 · Service Brakes · 120,800 mi“brakes are applied unexpectedly while traveling different speeds. i have had the crap scared out of me the last time this happened while traveling at about 50mph. the car left skid marks for about 50ft and almost caused someone to rear end me as well as my car almost going sideways into another vehicle. something n eds to be done about the safet…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.