1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 27%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, 27% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10075098, filed 2004-06, 68,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10162382, filed 2006-07, 15,000 miles“- 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10181425, filed 2007-02, 77,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120630, filed 2005-05, 8,900 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10059960, filed 2004-02, 19,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230
22 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230
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