2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 31%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320, 31% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 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.
“Rear break lights were repalced in 2006 recall (05v05000). Same problem in jan of 2015. No chance of dealer standing behind the recall again. Now I have to pay out of pocket the cost to fix the lights that were recalled prior. Over $600. When they just replaced the recall with the same faulty lights. Turns out their c-class is now having the same recall problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10670551, filed 2015-01, 88,000 miles“Rear brake light failure due to heat deformed bulb socket. Recall performed approx 2008. Replaced parts with no improvement in design or materials. Contacted mbusa, would not help.”
NHTSA complaint #10548345, filed 2013-10, 130,500 miles“I own a 2001 SLK320 mercedes bought it a second owner, it had no brakes light in the rear passenger side, electric seats not working either. Replaced the relay for seats but can't get tail lights to work check on recall was not honored what the heck. Mercedes should fix these continual problems that continue to cost us big bucks to fix $600.00 each time becomes to much, last mercedes for me or friends and family. …”
NHTSA complaint #10934304, filed 2016-12“The contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz SLK320. The contact stated that the tail light failed to illuminate. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had been serviced 7 years ago under recall NHTSA campaign number: 05v505000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the tail light assembly would need to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000. Updated 12/23/14 the consumer stated the manufacturer was contacted and advised they would not be assisting with repairs because they assisted once before, on july 31, 2004. …”
NHTSA complaint #10660551, filed 2014-11, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11007974Sep 21, 2024Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11007753Sep 10, 2024Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead…
- 11005294Jul 23, 2024Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 27% |
| 2001 | 8 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320
14 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320
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