Mercedes Benz Slk230 1998

No recalls could be found for this vehicle. To ensure accuracy and for your safety, do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Brake lamp failure investigation as of 20050922

  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 nhtsa recall no. 05v505 for more information.
  

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Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

• C1200 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery
• C1208 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery

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.

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.

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 nhtsa 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*cn

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.*ak

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. *nm

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. *nm

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. *jb

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. *ak

I have a 1998 mercedes benz slk 230. The brake lights malfunction on a regular basis. The service manager at the dealer informs me that this is a common failure of the tail light assembly. It seems that would be a safety issue.

Tailligght assembly becomes heated and causes failure of the brake light socket/housing. Dealer states that this is a problem with this model and they can not keep the parts in stock fast enough to repair this problem

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 nhtsa need these parts please contact consumer.*sb *nm

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. *ak

Engine threw a rod through the transmission and engine block at 84,000 miles for no reason.*ak

My seat sensor in my car failed at 7000 miles of use. I have a low mileage mercedes and it will cost almost 875 dollars to replace. This sensor disables the passenger air bag in case of a baby seat. I have never used a baby seat in my car and it is now in the locked (off) position making the car extremely dangerous for the passenger. Fortunately i rarely have a passenger but i want someone to investigate how often this sensor fails. When the car was new it was touted as a super safe car in case you have a baby. Now that it is in locked off position it is a super unsafe care for an adult. [xxx] [xxx] by the way there are also other defects in this particular car. The air compressor exploded at about 4k miles. That was replaced by the dealer at his cost. The battery died at less than 3 years but i had it replaced by the dealer at 4 years also. And... Now they say there is a possible problem with my fuel tank versus a malfunctioning valve. This is a lot of problems for a 7347 mileage car. [xxx] *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(b)(6)

Brake lights were inoperative. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the circuit board needed to be replaced.This information was provide by mrs. Margo's husband lenor karstadt.*ak

While braking tail lights failed. Dealership repaired the tail lights. However, problem recurred. *ak

While driving tail lights failed without warning. The dealership mechanic said that the problem was due to the tail light assembly burning up. The problem has not been resolved. *nlm dealership replaced the both left and right tail light assembly with newer version. Mechanic stated the original part would malfunction at any time without the driver being aware. Consumer stopped driving the vehicle until part was replaced. *ph *nlm

Passenger door opened up when the vehicle went over a bump. The door buttons opened on their own while driving. Consumer had consistent problems with vehicle. Dealer notified. *mr *cb *jb

The car had a bad left door panel that was fixed under warranty last year. This summer i noticed that it was loose at the top so i had my wife take it in to be fixed. They fixed the panel and my drove home. When my wife got home she was locked in the car and the left door would only open if she put the window down and used the outside door handle. Se went inside and called the dealer, shaffer imports. They had her bring it back so they could correct the problem. She left the car and when she returned it had not been fixed. They said that the door latch must have failed on the way home and that we would have to pay to fix it. They also said that they have seen this problem on other mercedes models that use the same door latch. I believe that this is a safety problem and should be fixed and a recall issued. Being that this is a two door car with a console and a shifter, it is quite difficult for one to exit the left seat to the right door. This could cause lost time in an emergency and ultimately loss of life. Pleas give this problem your immediate attention.

Consumer states that door latch is inoperative. Consumer has to reach outside of vehicle to open driver's door.*jb

The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a full inspection, the consumer asked that the dealer pay special attention to the fluids, after inspection the vehicle was returned to the consumer, within 15 min the vehicle began to stall and black smoke fumed smelling of antifreeze, the instrument panel indicated extreme heat at which time the consumer pulled over, the consumer observed an antifreeze puddle under the car. Nlm

This model has been evolved several times by the manufacturer more to market and in a hastily time,perhaps at the expense of the consumer and requires thorough investigation. No safety defect. *ak

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

Transmission was defective while driving on highway. Vehicle will start to lose power. Also, there is some fluid leakage. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak *tt

Fuel injector, ignition transponder.

Turbo

Hydraulics, trunk lid.

Power window failed. Yh

Roof of convertible is leaking. Yh

Air bag crash sensor. Yh

All 4 dunlop tires had extreme wear at 11000 miles (dunlop front-205/55r21691v rear-225/50r16 2000e). Nlm

Roof developed rust. Nlm

Transmission is leaking. Yh

Trunk lid does not close all the way.