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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2013–2015

Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 14 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz SLK250, covering model years 2013 to 2015. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (8), and Structure is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz SLK250 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 4 recall campaigns on file
  • 14 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 3 model years with data (2013–2015)
  • most complaints: 2013 (8 for that model year)
  • top component: Structure (5 complaints)
  • latest recall 19V787000 (reported Nov 1, 2019)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints by model year

3 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 8 of 14, or 57.1%. Next come 2015 (4) and 2014 (2).

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz SLK250 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2013–2015Column chart of 14 complaints across 3 model years. The highest is 2013 with 8. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2013: 8 complaints820132014: 2 complaints220142015: 4 complaints42015
Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201380000
201420000
201540000
All model years140000

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz SLK250 components

top 8 · NHTSA categories

Structure is the component named most often, in 5 complaints (35.7% of all 14), followed by Engine (3) and Fuel/Propulsion System (2).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints (top 8)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints (top 8)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Structure535.7%
Engine321.4%
Fuel/Propulsion System214.3%
Unknown or Other214.3%
Air Bags17.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline17.1%
Service Brakes17.1%
Vehicle Speed Control17.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recalls

4 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name SLK250, newest first. The 4 campaigns cover model years 2013 to 2015. The 2013, 2014 and 2015 model years appear in the most campaigns (2 each).

  • 4 recall campaigns
  • 1 over-the-air remedy
Mercedes-Benz SLK250 recall campaigns covering each model year
2013: 2 campaigns2014: 2 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V787000

    Reported

    Communication

    Model years 2013–2015 · Over-the-air fix

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

    Consequence:
    An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 17V308000

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    Model year 2015

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015 SLK 250, 2016 SLK 350, 2016-2017 SLC 300, and 2017 SLC 43 AMG vehicles. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system software may incorrectly keep the brakes slightly applied.

    Consequence:
    If brake pads are constantly applied over long periods of driving, the brake components may heat up, affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the dragging brakes may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the ESC system, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 14V386000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2014

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 SLK 250, SLK 350, SLK 55 AMG, SL 550, SL 63 AMG, and SL 65 AMG vehicles manufactured March 19, 2014, through May 5, 2014. Due to an air bag assembly error, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating front passenger air bag deployment, the front passenger seat airbag may not properly deploy, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger seat occupant.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. Mercedes-Benz distributed an interim letter to owners on July 17, 2014. A second owner letter was mailed after parts became available in mid August 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised that passengers or other items should not be placed in the passenger seat.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 13V236000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Air Bags

    Model year 2013

    Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SLK250 and SLK350 vehicles manufactured October 9, 2012, through November 20, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not correctly differentiate between a child seat or a very light person being in the front passenger seat.

    Consequence:
    If the OCS incorrectly classifies a very light person as being a child seat, in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the system would deactivate the passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on July 26, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz SLK250 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz SLK250 have?

NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz SLK250, covering model years 2013 to 2015. The most recent, 19V787000, was reported on November 1, 2019 and is filed under “Communication”. The 2013, 2014 and 2015 model years are covered by the most campaigns (2 each).

Which Mercedes-Benz SLK250 model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 8 of the 14 complaints in NHTSA’s file (57.1%). The next are 2015 (4) and 2014 (2). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaint?

Structure is the component named most often: 5 complaints, or 35.7% of all 14. Engine (3) and Fuel/Propulsion System (2) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz SLK250?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz SLK250 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 14 complaints, 0 report a crash, 0 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.