Model reliability

Mercedes-Benz Slk reliability

The Mercedes-Benz Slk fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 30% of 43,959 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

19.3% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 15,733 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Slks this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 63% more oftenTyre condition5.7% vs 3.5%Fix about £90

Fails 67% more oftenSprings4% vs 2.4%Fix about £150

Fails 80% more oftenAnti-roll bars1.8% vs 1%

Fails 3× as oftenABS / EBS / ESC1% vs 0.3%

Over 10 years old

30% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 43,959 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz Slks this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 34% more oftenSprings5.5% vs 4.1%Fix about £150

Fails 47% more oftenRigid brake pipes2.5% vs 1.7%Fix about £120

Fails 3× as oftenSub-frames1.5% vs 0.5%

Fails 56% more oftenSRS malfunction indicator lamp1.4% vs 0.9%Fix about £30

Advised 73% more oftenRigid brake pipes14.4% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 3× as oftenWheel bearings5.1% vs 1.7%

Safety recalls

25 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Slk

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2021/37629 Nov 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 50,390 vehicles

R/2021/27917 Aug 2021Built 2004–2013The driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time

The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.

Fix: Replace the driver�s airbag

Recalled models: SLK · 61 vehicles

R/2021/27717 Aug 2021Built 2004–2013The driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time

The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.

Fix: Replace the driver�s airbag.

Recalled models: SLK · 108,486 vehicles

R/2021/11013 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 108,971 vehicles

R/2021/12011 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 86,604 vehicles

R/2021/11110 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 90,716 vehicles

R/2021/1325 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 10,410 vehicles

R/2021/1315 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 81,267 vehicles

R/2021/1345 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 162,581 vehicles

R/2021/1335 May 2021Built 2016–2021The emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 106,665 vehicles

R/2021/08330 Mar 2021Built 2017–2020The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications

The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.

Fix: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 36 vehicles

R/2021/08230 Mar 2021Built 2016–2020The communication module may be deactivated

The communication module may be deactivated

Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.

Recalled models: SLK/SLC · 24 vehicles

R/2020/2436 Oct 2020Built 2011–2018Engine control unit software to be updated

Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.

Fix: Update the relevant control unit�s software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.

Recalled models: SLK · 994 vehicles

R/2020/0115 Feb 2020Built 2015–2017Emission output requires improvement

Emission output requires improvement

Fix: Update software in the engine control unit and replace the NOx sensor if required.

Recalled models: SLK · 5,255 vehicles

R/2017/15714 Jun 2017Built 2015–2017Brakes may overheat creating a risk of smoke and/or fire

The software for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is faulty. The fault could lead to a low residual pressure in the hydraulic system so the brakes are applied and gain heat. This increased heat will apply the brakes further and could adversely affect the brake fluid. Fire in the wheel housing cannot be ruled out.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software for the ESP.

Recalled models: SLK · 6,460 vehicles

R/2017/12419 Apr 2017Built 2004–2017Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification

Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.

Recalled models: SLK · 42 vehicles

R/2016/12015 Jun 2016Built 2016Steering efficiency may be reduced

A lock nut on a rear suspension tie rod may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. It may not act as intended even tightened to specification. It is unlikely the rod will disconnect but it may loosen and affect the vehicle's handling characteristics.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the rear tie rod lock nuts.

Recalled models: SLK · 812 vehicles

R/2016/0939 May 2016Built 2015Electrical fault could allow vehicle to roll away when left parked

On certain vehicles fitted with 9 speed transmission the back up battery may not connect during main battery failure. This may prevent selection of Park on the transmission or operation of the electronic parking brake.

Fix: On affected vehicles adapt harness to manufacturer's specification and recode the system.

Recalled models: SLK · 717 vehicles

R/2015/25921 Jan 2016Built 2015Risk of fire

The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 1,327 vehicles

R/2015/20819 Nov 2015Built 2015Engine may fail

The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the intake camshaft.

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 14 vehicles

R/2015/21019 Nov 2015Built 2015Engine may fail

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the exhaust camshaft.

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 395 vehicles

R/2015/20919 Nov 2015Built 2015Engine may fail

On certain petrol engines the camshafts may not have been correctly manufactured. They may fail causing engine damage and the engine to stall

Fix: On affected vehicles replace camshafts.

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 4 vehicles

R/2014/18216 Jan 2015Built 2014Oil may leak

On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 61,672 vehicles

R/2013/03128 Mar 2013Fuel may leak

The flange of the fuel filter may leak due to a non-compliance in the supplier's production process. Should this occur a fuel odour may arise or fuel escape.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel filter.

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 806 vehicles

R/2008/14710 Nov 2008Built 2004–2008Engine emergency shut off on board diagnosis or tank/speedo signal may be affected

Possibility of transfer of incorrect control unit software which could affect engine shut off control in an emergency situation or the on board diagnosis system or tank/speedometer signal

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace SAM control unit

Recalled models: SLK-CLASS · 72 vehicles

Show all 25 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mercedes-Benz Slk before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Mercedes-Benz Slk reliability

25 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Slk

Checking a Mercedes-Benz Slk before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.