Model year
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
NHTSA does not list the EPA model name SLK-Class for 2003. Under the matched names SLK, SLK230, and SLK320, NHTSA lists 1 recall and 16 complaints (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints for SLK are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH (1), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 17–22 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,750–$4,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 25 complaints
- 2001 76 complaints
- 2002 41 complaints
- 2003 16 complaints
- 2004 7 complaints
- 2005 27 complaints
- 2006 34 complaints
- 2007 37 complaints
- 2008 14 complaints
- 2009 3 complaints
- 2010 0 complaints
- 2011 0 complaints
- 2012 12 complaints
- 2013 9 complaints
- 2014 3 complaints
- 2015 4 complaints
- 2016 2 complaints
Matched NHTSA names
The EPA model name is not itself a name in the NHTSA file for 2003. The counts in the answer are the sum of the names below. Overlap between those names is not removed.
| NHTSA name | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK | 1 | 9 | 1 |
| SLK230 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| SLK320 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Recalls for SLK
05V505000 · Nov 1, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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.
Complaints for SLK
9 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 0, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations for SLK
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05051 | BRAKE LAMP FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | Sep 22, 2005 | Dec 2, 2005 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK230 Kompressor · 2.3L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| SLK230 Kompressor · 2.3L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| SLK32 AMG · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 21 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
| SLK320 · 3.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| SLK320 · 3.2L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 24 | 18 | — | — | $4,550 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.