2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 16 of 41 complaints (39%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 76 in 2001 to 41 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,500 | 3,350–4,100 | 3,350–4,300 | 3,500–4,550 | 3,500–4,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 19–23 | 18–23 | 17–22 | 17–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–20 / 27–28 | 16–20 / 25–27 | 15–20 / 22–27 | 15–19 / 21–26 | 15–19 / 21–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404 | 386–468 | 386–494 | 404–523 | 404–523 | |
| Complaints filed | 25 | 76 | 41 | 16 | 7 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?
Visibility & Lighting: 16 of 41 NHTSA complaints (39%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class get?
EPA rates it 18–23 MPG combined across 5 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 20 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 386 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 18 mpg | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 16 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 3.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 15 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · Campaign 05V505000 · Nov 7, 2005
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS DEFORMATION CAN CAUSE MOVEMENT IN THE SOCKET-TO-BULB CONNECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE SOCKET, AND FAILURE OF THE BULB TO ILLUMINATE.
Remedy: 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-FACE LIFT) WILL GET AN INTERIM NOTICE DURING NOVEMBER 2006, ASKING THEM TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REAR TAIL LAMP REPLACEMENT LATER IN 2007. HOWEVER, IF THEY EXPERIENCE AN ACTUAL REAR LAMP FAILURE BEFORE THEY RECEIVE THAT NOTICE, THEY SHOULD COME TO THEIR DEALER IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 02V152000 · Jun 13, 2002
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN THE PROPER HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-201-573-0117.