2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 33%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK, 33% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 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.
“Mercedes with 23,000 ignition switch will not turn. I reported the issue of intermittent problem to dealer and attempted to have it resolved while under extended warranty period. The dealer said it had not failed. Well, the warranty is gone and the failing part failed. It is expensive and appears to be a known issue based on my discussion with other owners and complaints here.”
NHTSA complaint #10325738, filed 2010-04, 23,000 miles“I inserted the key in the ignition switch and was unable to turn the key or remove the key and the car would not start. I was left stranded in a bad section of town and had to wait for flat bed to take the car to the dealership. I had to rent a car for three days while the dealership replaced the entire ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10248895, filed 2008-11, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes slk320 ( n/a). While driving at various speeds , the vehicle loses power without any warning and after the vehicle loses power all the lights illuminates on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to his residence.this has occurred 10 additional times. The dealer was contacted and they concluded that it was the k40 circuit fuse that failed. The fuse was replaced at the owners expense. The failure mileage was 74000 and current mileage was 76000.”
NHTSA complaint #10340619, filed 2010-06, 74,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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