MotorDeets

2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk: 1 recall, 9 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
9owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

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.

Electrical3
Exterior lights2
Visibility (wipers, glass)2
Steering1
Equipment1
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Stability control1

What owners describe

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk has 9 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 12 Slk model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 6). Complaints peaked in 2010 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 74,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (25 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (0 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), exterior lights (2), visibility (wipers, glass) (2).

Where can I get a 2003 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.

Other Slk years

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