Model year guide

2003 Mercedes-benz slk

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Mercedes-benz slk is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2003 Mercedes-benz slk at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints15

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Mercedes-benz slk recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights NHTSA Campaign #05V505000 · manufacturer #2006080005 · 01/11/2005

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.

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 (POST-F…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Mercedes-benz slk common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2003 Mercedes-benz slk trims & engines on record

Trims
SLK230 K
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl 192 hp

2003 Mercedes-benz slk vehicles on record

2003 Mercedes-benz slk SLK230 KWDBKK49F13F277158

Other Mercedes-benz slk model years

2013 2012 2008 2007 2005 2001 2000 1999

2003 Mercedes-benz slk — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercedes-benz slk have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2003 Mercedes-benz slk. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-benz slk?

Across all 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.