2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk: 2 recalls, 25 owner complaints.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #02V152000 · 2002 · 27,863 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the owner's manual does not contain the proper headlamp aiming instructions.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: Owners will be provided with headlamp aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the operator's manual. Owner notification began July 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free instructions within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-201-573-0117.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V505000 · 2005 · 69,278 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, failure of one of the side brake lights can occur. The base of the socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.
Why it matters: This deformation can cause movement in the socket-to-bulb connection, which could lead to a loosening of the electrical contacts in the socket, and failure of the bulb to illuminate.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear lamp modules. The recall began on September 12, 2006, to approximately 8,200 owners. Phase II mailing is schedule on or about November 3, 2006, and phase III mailing is schedule for January 2007 for the remaining owners. Owners of vehicles with the updated trim…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (7): the most common themes are leaks (5).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Exterior lights (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk has 25 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Slk model years for complaints (4.1× the average Slk year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 33,139 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (19 complaints, 2 recalls), 2003 (9 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems?
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (7), electrical (5), exterior lights (4).
Where can I get a 2002 Mercedes-Benz Slk repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.