2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 23%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, 23% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 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.
“Vehicle type is 2001 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10567829, filed 2014-03, 160,259 miles“The interior rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes SLK230 (r170 model) is an self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out, causing the self-dimming feature to fail. So basically, I'm blinded by approaching headlights whenever I drive at night. The only fix is to turn the mirror away and lose my rear view (which after all is the entire purpose of the rear view mirror!) I researched online and there are hundreds of documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models. …”
NHTSA complaint #10365619, filed 2010-11, 30,000 miles“I have less than 50k miles and had to replace the mass air flow sensor twice and now check engine light is on again for the same service needed. I have paid out of pocket not to mention the inconvenience of having it in the shop so many times also have had to replace transmission sensors and tail light, which mercedes did not reimburse for original charge, just re- replaced. Now problems happening with rear mirror. This is ridiculous mercedes should stand by there product that is supposed to last forever and I have had nothing but problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10207936, filed 2007-11, 34,000 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 mirror failed, losing its ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing me to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability.”
NHTSA complaint #10250789, filed 2008-12, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009122Oct 23, 2024Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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