Mercedes-benz Slk230 1999

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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• Refueling spit back investigation as of 19990830

  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.
  

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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
• P0100 [1] Mass or Volume Air Flow "A" Circuit Malfunction
• P0170 [1] Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 1)
• P1235 [1] Fuel Pump Low Speed Malfunction
• P1236 [1] Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low
• P1420 [1] Air Pump Circuit Malfunction/ (AIR) System Bank 1
• P1525 [1] Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Malfunction

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 nhtsa 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.

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 nhtsa 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.

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. 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. *tr

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. *jb

Rear view mirror stay at night view , and the driver mirror is half & half. *tr

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. *tr

My 1999 mercedes slk 230 interior and driver's side mirror have discolored till they are almost impossible to use. *tr

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.

Hello, this is a pre-emptive report of a problem with a component in 1998-2000 mercedes-benz slk 230 roadsters. The failure of this component has many symptoms but one serious symptom is complete loss of power at highway speeds which can be dangerous. I am hoping that you don't actually have to wait for crashes and deaths before you investigate. I ask that you consider the documented problem here and see the potential for a serious safety issue and ask the manufacturer to address it. The problem arises from a poor design/manufacturing of soldering on a k40 relay module which is an electronic component and part of the electronics of the car that controls the engine operation. Certain soldered points have a tendency to get corroded/burnt out over time that affects the engine operations. The three pictures below show the affected part, the pcb inside and a closeup of the soldered joints that show the problem. Http://www.Openpresence.Org/slk/k40-1.Jpg http://www.Openpresence.Org/slk/k40-2.Jpg http://www.Openpresence.Org/slk/k40-3.Jpg the manufacturer has not acknowledged this problem and while the oed throws up repeatable codes once this part starts to deteriorate - P1420, P1236, P1235, and P1525, the mb dealer service centers have not been told about these codes and they tell customers that it is undefined and probably due to low batter voltage and send them with this problem still there until the problem gets big. If the customer is lucky, then it just results in a starting problem or stumbling but in some cases can result in loss of power while driving. This is the dangerous part. This part was redesigned in slks from 2001 onwards but the manufacturer has done nothing to fix this problem in earlier slks or to equip their authorized service centers to catch this problem before it creates a serious safety issue. My car is currently at the stage of having been misdiagnosed for the above codes. *tr

This is a report about unusual fogging up of all vehicle windows if the a/c is switched off while driving. This makes the car undriveable without a/c being on all the time or having to open windows due to lack of visibility through the windshield. If, for some reason, the a/c malfunctions while driving, this could pose a dangerous situation if people don't realize what happened quickly. This is very similar to what happens if one drives with the climate control on recycle instead of allowing fresh air in cold climate. But in this case, it is fogging up regardless of the temperature/humidity outside and even when the climate control is not on recycle mode. The car has a fresh/recirc flap inside the dashboard automatically controlled by a flap actuator. If this part fails, as i suspect it has happened, then the flap can get stuck in recirc mode which no fresh air will ever enter the car when windows are closed. Even if a/c is on to prevent fogging, driving with no fresh air coming in can be dangerous as carbon dioxide builds up inside from breathing leading to sleepiness in the driver (which is why driving for long with recirc air is not recommended). The problem is that this is a silent malfunction, and other than the fogging problem, there is no other indication. I have taken this to the dealer and they say they cannot reproduce the problem. But i can reliably reproduce this within 3 minutes of driving with a/c off. There is no recourse left for me to get this problem fixed and driving this way if there is no fresh air coming is dangerous to me and to others on the road. *tr

The inside rear view mirror in my 1999 mercedes-benz slk 230 (r170 model) is an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away which greatly eliminates rear view capability in the interior. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking. The leak discolor the mirror which make visibility poor. *tr

The lh side view mirror in my 1999 mercedes-benz slk 230 (r170 model) is an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to be smokey which you can now barely see out of and to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking. *tr

1999 mercedes benz slk230. The inside rear view mirror is a 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. *tr

In the resent month i noticed my rearview mirror on the inside to appear to be leaking. It also has stopped dimming. Everything i see from my mirror appears very foggy and hard to see. It difficult to back up looking through it. The mirror never works properly since this "leaking" has happened. I have not done anything to fix this problem yet. The oem mirror is $180 at the mercedes dealer. *tr

Vehicle type is 1999 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. *tr

Vehicle type is 1999 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. *tr

Rear view mirror ( donnelly #010486) is blurry and has three different shades of tinting. I can barely tell if a vehicle is behind me and there is no way to determine its distance. *tr

Vehicle type is 1999 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. *tr

My inside rear view mirror has failed. There is no manual backup. The fluid in the mirror, which causes the automatic self-dimming, has leaked out. The mirror now fails to provide dimming for rear approaching headlights resulting in a blinded driver or non-use; both eliminating rear view capability. The electrochromic self-dimming mirrors are standard equipment in my 1999 mercedes-benz slk 230, model r170. I have researched and found many documented cases of the exact mirrors failing in the same way. The mirror manufacture, magna donnelly, was replacing these mirrors for free under some kind of warranty program in the past, but stopped for unknown reasons. The problem has gotten so bad that their warranty department direct number (616-786-7495) now has a recorded message directing people to another web site that sells discounted replacement mirrors. *tr

The rear view mirror fail and leaking. Oem need to replace all the mercedes rear view mirror asap. *tr

Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz slk230. The contact received a recall notice for the exterior lighting:brake lights. The mercedes mechanic replaced the lights at the contacts home. Prior to replacing the lights per the recall, the lights were working. However, the lights no longer worked, and the vehicle did not start. The dealer did not want to address the failures and make the necessary repairs. The contact talked to the manager of mercedes and he was unsuccessful at gaining assistance. *ak

Safety recall slk-class replace brake lamp bulb sockets**nar**cc the recall described the need to replace the brake lamp bulb sockets to ensure the tail lights continue to function properly. The consumer local mb dealer informed him that mercedes benz central supplier was unable to provide the parts needed. *nm

Tl* - the contact fixed the tail lights on her car, and then received a safety recall on her tail lights. Contact paid almost $500.00 to have her tail lights repaired, and was only reimbursed half of that. The contact wants to know if she can get entire money back. Safety recall number is 2006-080005.

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's rear passenger side brake light was inoperable, and was taken to the dealership. The bulb was replaced, but immediately burned out. There was a nhtsa recall, # 05v505000, regarding the brake lights. The manufacturer had no knowledge of this recall.

Dt*: the contact stated after being alerted the brake light was inoperable the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. The repair shop determined there was a nhtsa recall, # 05v505000, regarding the brake lights. The manufacturer was contact who reflected no knowledge of this recall. Updated 9/13/2006 - *nm

1999 mercedes slk 230 with a safety recall customer wants to be reimbursed for repairs**cc the dealer denied there was a recall, however the consumer received a recall letter in the mail after being told there was no recall. The consumer took the vehicle to his mechanic to have the repairs done. Recall # 05v505000. *jb

Re: nhtsa campaign # 05v-505. The manufacturer indicated in a letter to nhtsa that it would start owner notification no sooner than second quarter of 2006. It is now third quarter 2006 and when asked, the manufacturer still says there are no active recalls on this vehicle. I feel that the manufacturer needs to provide an updated schedule for compliance with this recall campaign. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side brake light was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop that attempted to replace the bulb. The repair shop determined the socket burned out and while placing the bulb in the socket, the driver side socket burned out as well. Both brake light sockets are being replaced. Updated 04/11/06. *jb

Tl*-the contact stated that the sideview mirrors were damaged. They had water marks and cracks , thus lowering her visibility. The contactwas not clear as to what caused the damage.*ak

Brake light failure. I have had to change the complete socket numerous times. Each time the socket has melted. Mbusa tells me they know of the problem, but do not see any reason to fix it. Each repair runs about $300. I have had mine changed no less than 5 times in the past three years. *nm

My left tail light keeps going out, a few times before, don't really notice it until someone tells me. I had it happen today, all i could do is replace the bulb but according to other people, eventually the socket melts. *jb

For my slk 230 1999 , sport package, the red and black interiors, fade away constantly , the red paint on dash and center console is very delicate, it will scratch all the way deep enough to see the black original color of the same... Cardan joints have been changed four times and keeps breaking , i have a brand new one in my trunk because the 4th one is already broken...Then the asr light turns on" avoiding for the asr system to work properly, can become very dangerous on wet road.. I had an accident and almost totaled my slk230... *tr

Nhtsa action number : pe05051 rear brake light sockets melt/fail. *jb

When in traffic and idling, especially summer weather, the car stalls ocassionally and won't restart. Most times, when driving to a destination, turning the engine off, running an errand, and returning to start the engine, the engine won't start. The panel lights all light up, a click, but no crank or turning over. After letting the engine cool down or sit for a while and/or playing w/ the key / ignition, the engine eventually turns over. I've spent nearly $3,000 in repairs and the dealer cannot isolate the problem. Everything has been replaced except for the starter and electronic ignition module (if one exists). I'm extremely frustrated. The car has stalled in traffic numerous times causing traffic jams in manhattan, the lincoln tunnel, and i can't tell you the number of times i receive negative comments re mercedes benz supposing to be a reliable expensive car. This is my 5th mercedes, and i'm about to give up permanently. In the last 3 years i have spent almost $9,000 service and repairs and am fed up and feel as if i'm being sucked dry.

There is a defect in 1998 - 2001 mercedes benz slk model cars tail lights and brake lights. The socket which houses the bulbs does not provide sufficient pressure to maintain electrical contact. The result of this is burned conctats, melted bulb housings and burned out tail and brake lights. This can lead to a fire or an accident in the event of failure. This defect has been reported by hundreds/thousands of slk owners to the manufacturer. The maufacturer refuses to acknowledge this defect and will do nothing to correct it if the vehicle is out of warrenty. The defect, if discovered by the owner prior to warranty expiration is corrected, but if the defect is not discovered in warranty the manufacturer will do nothing to correct it. Subsequent (post 2001) models have had this defect corrected but the pre 2001 vehicles still have this defect.

I own a 1999 mercedes benz slk230. On december 18, 2004 i took the car into the dealership (friendly mercedes benz in wappingers falls, ny) due to a brake light problem. Dealer informed me of a known problem with the light overheating causing the assembly to melt and short out the light. Mercedes would not cover the replacement cost of $269.50. Regardless of cost, the potential for a fire evidently exists. I read yesterday that an investigation has been opened in this very matter so i thought i'd provide yet another example of this type of occurrence. *nm

1999 mb slk230 - taillight assembly shorts out and brake light fails. This has happened 5 times, the most recent involving both taillights at the same time! They have not fixed the problem in the defective part now in 5 years. They keep replacing a defective part with a defective part! *nm

Driver side brake light fails. Took to mercedes several times. They tell me it is a known issue with the mercedes slk 230 from 1998 to present. I searched online and found hundreds of complaints of the same issue. Mercedes is waiting for a death to occur as a result of a faulty tail light assembly before they decide to recall and fix the problem whick will certainly occur in time.*ak

Drivers side auto dimming sideview mirror and inside auto dimming rearview mirror have failed. They are no longer reflective and are permanently dark. *jb

Vehicle type is 1999 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. *tr

I've had a dozen bulbs/fuses blow during the life of this vehicle. I've owned other vehicles that never blew a single bulb or fuse over their lifetime. I just wonder if this is a way for mercedes benz to increase service revenues. They want over $100 to replace each bulb.

When the vehicle was started the dashboard caught on fire. The fire department determined that the fire was started by an electrical short under the dash. The vehicle could not be driven. *ak *scc *nlm

I have a mercedes-benz 1999 slk 230. The bulb socket for the brake light lamps in the rear light assembly keeps failing as the contacts do not make proper contact during vibrations leading to electric arcing at the contacts. The arcing builds up deposits that break the connectivity leading to inoperative rear brake lights (a safety issue) and heats up the area melting the plastic and fusing the socket to the assembly. There is a potential fire hazard here because of the open electric arcing. Related to open case pe05051. The bulb itself does not fail as currently described in that open investigation but the contact does. Mb's solution is to just replace the whole assembly with the same defect which fails again after a while. *jb

Rearview mirror has fog inside the glass,making it impossible to see out of it. Brake lights and headlights continue to fail. Also, dash lights failed. *ak

Vehicle has been to dealer 6 times for electrical problems. Dashboard lights and rear exterior license light are on same fuse. Fuse keeps blowing. Dealer cannot remedy. *ak *slc

When removing the fuel nozzle from the fuel tank, the fuel shoots out of the tank as if from a hose. In my case it went all over my face and clothes due to the position i was in at the time (hence the property damage amount). It appears that there is a great deal of pressure inside the tank. The dealer said they would have to replace the entire fuel tank as well as other parts because "for some reason" the fuel went into other areas of the car, and "we're not sure how." the potential for a major hazard, including possible injuries is tremendous given that we are talking about leaking (rather spewing) fuel being spilled on the ground and (as in my case), on my person. I am grateful no one was smoking and that when i started my engine back up to leave the gas station, that there were no sparks. *ak

Hard top convertible will not open -- the micron chip has been replaced twice by the dealer. Hard top convertible squeaking noise -- i have taken the car in 6 times for the same problem; only occurs when car sits in direct sunlight at 85 degrees or hotte( dot number: )

Mercedes-benz can not fix window leaking, coming off track. *ak

Vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with pulling to either side whenever brakes were applie. Vehicle been in /out of dealer shop on two occasions, and dealerinformed consumer that was a normal characteristic of that vehicle. *ak

The convertible top intermittently will not go down. Sometimes when it's down it wont go up. Sometimes it gets stuck half up and half down. The remote keyless entry sometimes don't work from either remote. Then later it works again. The top nor the keyless entry can be depended upon to work. *ak

While putting gas into the vehicle, and after consumer filled up the tank, while removing the fuel filler, gas coming from the vehicle sprayed out onto the occupant for about 20 seconds which if there was a source of ignition, it may have started a fire. Please provide further information. *ak

Spark plug failed caused engine to stall. Yh

When removing the fuel nozzle from the fuel tank, fuel shoots out of the tank like a fountain. It seems as though there is pressure in the tank which causes the fuel to shoot out of the tank for about 30 seconds. Wihle driving home following this incident, the engine bucked, surged and stalled multiple times. The vehicle is being checked by the dealer. *ak *ml

Alternator failed. *yc

A/c extension valve failed. Nlm

While driving at approximately 35 mph consumer drove over a piece of rubber, and immediatley vehicle completley stalled. Engine will not start. *ak