AI Damage2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 reliability: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 38% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 3 Air bags 13% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 13% of all complaints
- Structure: 3 complaints (38% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The anti whip lash prevention malfunctioned and the headrest was launched forwards
While passing a vehicle on a two lane road, my vehicle lost power and went into limp mode nearly causing a head on accident. The check engine light came on and i immediately went to O'Reilly's Auto parts store and had their OBD scanner read the code. AP0002 code was read.
The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the convertible top needed to be replaced; however, the convertible roof top was no longer manufactured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure.
Complaint concerns the roof top panel problem on a 2013 mercedes benz slk 250. The roof issue occurred in july 2020 when the slk 250 had about 36,000 miles. The roof panel on the convertible top separated from the underlying cross-support member causing the roof panel to expand and separate which then causes the front…
Significant timing chain rattle while driving in the 2200-2900 rpm range. Engine has less than 70k miles and it seems that the chain has stretched or is tensioner is failing. Mercedes claims they cannot find source of rattle and refuses to fix it, but online forums indicate this is a known issue for this engine.
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that one of the cylinders malfunctioned and needed to be repaired.
The windows were rattling abnormally and the front passenger's side of the roof was still leaking. The vehicle was not further repaired. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure multiple times but provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 21000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 mercedes slk250. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was fuel seen leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where it was advised that the fuel line clamp needed to be replaced.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,054 of 32,257 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the SLK250 has 3 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 8, above average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, engine, air bags. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (25%), warning lights, check engine (25%), fuel system, fuel smell (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2013 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.