MERCEDES SLK Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 5,606 MOT tests from 316 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MERCEDES SLK has the same fault.

MERCEDES SLK's have a very good reliability rating of 621/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MERCEDES SLK that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

MERCEDES SLK (example)

Check a Mercedes Slk before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Service history
Dealer & service records
MOT records
Past & current MOT data
Write-off check
Check for insurance write-offs
Finance check
Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
Diesel	2015	708/999Very good	74,335 miles	1,987 vehicles
Petrol	2014	732/999Very good	86,985 miles	1,142 vehicles
Diesel	2013	675/999Good	74,265 miles	2,778 vehicles
Petrol	2012	685/999Good	92,113 miles	1,707 vehicles
Diesel	2012	643/999Good	72,924 miles	2,722 vehicles
Petrol	2011	669/999Good	86,310 miles	1,737 vehicles
Petrol	2009	546/999Above average	80,601 miles	1,468 vehicles
Petrol	2003	507/999Above average	81,497 miles	2,251 vehicles
Petrol	2000	513/999Above average	76,506 miles	2,078 vehicles
Petrol	1998	527/999Above average	82,364 miles	1,116 vehicles

How reliable is the MERCEDES SLK?

Based on 5,606 MOT tests from 316 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

316

MOT tests

5,606

Pass rate

81.6%

Median mileage

77,525 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MERCEDES SLK has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 629 out of 999.

Common MERCEDES SLK MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 821 advisory comments and 88 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 441 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 135 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 78 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 73 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 60 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING LAMP INDICATES A FAULT (7.1.6 (A))

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 31 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (1.4.2 (A) (I))

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 24 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.1.2 (H))

MERCEDES SLK MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2016	8	72	88.9%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2015	24	227	89%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2014	18	208	85.1%	Tyre wear, Shock absorber issues
2013	24	297	86.2%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2012	28	368	84.5%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2011	10	145	85.5%	Brake disc wear, Tyre wear
2010	8	144	77.1%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2009	16	275	82.9%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2008	22	426	80.5%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2007	30	554	81.9%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2006	20	391	81.3%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2005	35	793	78.6%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2004	21	530	76.2%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2003	5	121	84.3%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2002	12	259	81.9%	Coil spring issues, Corrosion
2001	14	313	83.1%	Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
2000	8	191	84.3%	Corrosion, Ball joint wear
1998	5	130	78.5%	Indicator faults, Tyre wear

What to check when buying a used MERCEDES SLK

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.
Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.
Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Buying a MERCEDES SLK?

Common problems tell you what can affect MERCEDES SLKs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

Browse Other MERCEDES Models

← Back to Reliability Check