2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,005miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK, 11% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,005 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear brake lamps failed over and over since vehicle purchased in 2001. Dealer replaced bulbs numerous times and last replaced l & r bulbs on 12/29/2006 at 29005 miles. In april 2007 a safety recall was issued for rear brake lamps failure. Rear lamps failed once again at 39697 miles and vehicle was brought in to beverly hills mb to have recall performed on may 30, 2008. Rear brake lamps have failed once again as of 6/1/ 2012 with 78000 miles on vehicle in spite of the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10464759, filed 2012-07, 29,005 miles“I am an owner of a 2001 SLK 320. I have had chronic problems with headlamps and brake lamps going out , bulbs melting in lamps on brakes as well as headlamps. In the beginning these repairs were paid under manuf. Warranty. However, I am paying for replacement bulbs, most recently a headlamp problem I will have to have replaced at a cost close to $600. Today I received a recall from mercedes notice for the brake lamp problem. I question that the same may be true of headlights. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173859, filed 2006-11Related recalls
- 05V505000Nov 1, 2005On certain passenger vehicles, failure of one of the side brake lights can occur. The base of the socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.Covers: Mercedes-Benz SLK 1998–2004
- 02V152000Jun 13, 2002Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated…Covers: Mercedes-Benz SLK 2000–2002
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
6 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology