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 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Mercedes-benz slk at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints15

Included: 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 4 Nov 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.

Dimensions & weight

Length
157.9 in
Width
67.7 in
Height
50.4 in
Wheelbase
94.5 in
Curb weight
3,219 lb
Front track
58.7 in
Rear track
58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Mercedes-benz slk. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE Closed

IN ITS LETTER DATED OCTOBER 28, 2005, MERCEDES-BENZ USA STATED THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES IN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SLK VEHICLES. THE BASE OF THE BRAKE LAMP SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME. THIS DEFORMATION CAN CAUSE MOVEMENT IN THE SOCKET-TO-BULB CONNECTION, WHICH MAY LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE…

NHTSA #PE05051 · Exterior Lighting · opened Sep 2005 · closed Dec 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 15

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 15.

MERCEDES: AIRBAG DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY. AIR BAG SRS CONTROL MODULE (N2/2) DOES NOT HAVE A SET SHELF LIFE AND WILL NORMALLY BE RELIABLE FOR THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE. WITH 164, 216 221, 251 AND NEWER, THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT CAN BE RESET FIVE TIMES. WITH MODES…

Bulletin SB-91-60-193 · Air Bags · Jun 2010

MERCEDES: CORROSION PROTECTION COATINGS FOR BRAKE COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE MAY BE DAMAGED AND OR STRIPPED AWAY IF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ACID BASED CLEANERS ARE USED. ONCE THE CORROSION PROTECTION IS DAMAGED OR REMOVED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS AND OR HARDWARE CAN BEGI…

Bulletin TSB-42-10-109 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2009

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. *NJ UPDATED 8/28/08. *PE

Bulletin 033008 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2008

FRONT DOOR LOCK KNOB JUMPS UP AND DOWN. *TT

Bulletin 721028A · Latches/locks/linkages · Dec 2005

SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE CONTROL UNIT SOFTWARE UPGRADE. (MERCEDES BENZ SLK320, 2002 & 2003, MERCEDES BENZ 230, 2003) *JB

Bulletin PB070028 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003

FUEL GAUGE STICKS, AND THE FUEL RESERVE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES. (MERCEDES BENZ 230, 2003) *JB

Bulletin PB543081 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2003

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. MODEL YEAR 2003. *TT

Bulletin 912956 · Air Bags · Jan 2003

FAILURE CODES C1140 AND/OR C1145 STORED IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). MY2002 209 AND MY2003 209. *TT

Bulletin 424523C · Equipment · Dec 2002

KEYLESS GO SYSTEM. *TT

Bulletin 806117 · Equipment · Nov 2002

CAN B BUS CAUSING NUMEROUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES / SRS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. MODEL 211. *TT

Bulletin 540071 · Interior Lighting · Nov 2002

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SLK. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

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 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 done at no charge.

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.