2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 3 of 9 complaints (33%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 12 in 2012 to 9 in 2013.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–3,900 | 3,000–3,500 | 3,000–3,500 | 3,000–3,500 | 3,000–3,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–21 | 22–26 | 22–26 | 22–26 | 22–26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18–19 / 25–26 | 19–23 / 28–32 | 19–23 / 28–32 | 19–23 / 28–32 | 19–23 / 28–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–444 | 342–404 | 342–401 | 342–401 | 342–401 | |
| Complaints filed | 0 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 4 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?
Body, Seats & Latches: 3 of 9 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class get?
EPA rates it 22–26 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?
EPA estimates $3,000–$3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 22 mpg | 32 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 19 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $3,500 (high) | 401 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 23 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 342 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 21 mpg | 28 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 371 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 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)
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: 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.
AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 13V236000 · Jun 5, 2013
Defect: 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.
