1998 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Slk230. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“While driving, the steering column shaft sheared off completely leaving the car with no steering control. Thanks to god this occurred right after a highway exit and while turning into my driveway. If this shaft had sheared 10 minutes before on a highway at 60mph speed, it would have lead to a…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz slk230. While driving at various speeds, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the base of the rear passenger side tail lamp melted and diagnosed that the brake light assembly needed to be…”
“Tl*-the contact stated that in reference to the 1998 mercedes benz slk with current mileage: 85,000 a recall issued on the vehicle dealing with exterior rear brake lights. The contact stated that she called the dealership and gave them the information, they scheduled her an appointment, and told…”
“Tl*-the contact stated that in reference to the 1998 mercedes benz slk with current mileage: 85,000 a recall issued on the vehicle dealing with exterior rear brake lights. The contact stated that she called the dealership and gave them the information, they scheduled her an appointment, and told…”
“Rear brake lights have failed numerous times over the past several years. I have been told that this is a common problem in the slk. Replaced entire rear brake light assembly once under warranty. I have had to replace the sockets every few months for the entire time I've owned the car. Within 2…”
“Rear brake lights have failed numerous times, replaced up until this point at owners cost. A recall was issued, and I've been told that my vehicle vin is not within the range that they are replacing. My vehicle can not be driven now as it has failed it's vehicle inspection. The lights have been…”
“Rear brake light will stop working periodically due to melted socket. Owned the car since new and dealer replace sockets twice while under warranty. Since warranty expired I replaced the socket twice more on each side at a cost of $20. *jb”
“After driver's side tail light bulb burned out I replaced bulb three times before having to take it to a mercedes specialty repair shop. I was told I would have to replace the entire tail lamp assembly. While there it was mentioned that another consumer had the same problem. *ak”
Defect investigations
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
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…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Slk230 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.