2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 32%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK, 32% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles.
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.
“Inside rearview mirror fades, blotched, fogged. Description: the inside rear view mirror in my 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 (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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10262523, filed 2009-03, 22,000 miles“Year, make, model: 2001, mercedes benz, 170 failure mileage: 65000 the inside rear view mirror in my 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 (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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255273, filed 2009-01, 65,000 miles“The automatically dimming interior rear view mirror has leaked part of liquid crystal fluid, severely distorting the reflected image. In addition, since the mirror does not have ant manual adjustment for day/night selection, any bright lights from behind tend to blind or at least interfere with the proper vision. This defect should be considered a safety issue.the manufacturer's quote to correct this defect is in excess of $300 for parts and labor. The same defect has been reported widely in various user groups and forums. …”
NHTSA complaint #10357280, filed 2010-09, 94,050 miles“5 year old car with 15,000 miles (sunny day driver). Rear view mirror has the auto tinting feature. The liquid tint bled between the layers of glass causing difficulties seeing the rear. Dangerous driving condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10191902, filed 2007-05, 15,000 miles“Vehicle type is 2001 mercedes benz slk320 (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.”
NHTSA complaint #10250947, filed 2008-12Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
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