Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 9,114 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1996 and 2020.
In a sample of 398 cars, 51.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (16.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 12 recalls for this model; 2.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 16.8% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 4% |
| ABS warning indicates a fault | 3.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 2.5% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 2.3% |
| Brake line affected by corrosion | 1.5% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 12.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 2.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 9,114 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 2.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1996 to 2020 |
All Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-06-08 | other | – | 2 |
| 2022-01-24 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2,061 |
| 2021-10-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 18,568 |
| 2021-07-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2019-05-21 | electrical system | – | 2 |
| 2017-07-05 | brakes | serious | 70 |
| 2017-03-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 11 |
| 2016-06-28 | suspension | serious | 17 |
| 2016-01-13 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 27 |
| 2015-11-02 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 201 |
| 2015-01-05 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 1,767 |
| 2014-07-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 3 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 51.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (16.8%), tyre tread depth insufficient (10.3%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (10.3%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 12 recalls. 2.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.