Mercedes Benz SLK owners have reported 6 electronic stability control related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common electronic stability control problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's electronic stability control (6 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control problems |
While driving under 30 mph, vehicle randomly applies front or rear brake causing a loud braking squeal and causing the car to buck or pitch to one side. It has occurred from a stopped position as I started to accelerate, but 90% of the time it occurs at speeds under 30-35 mph while just driving in a simple or long curve. It has also happened in parking lots when applying the brakes by locking up one or more brakes so hard as to make very loud squealing sounds. This is very scary and completely unsafe.
On 3/22/2012 within a few hundred feet of leaving a driveway, the right wheel slowly seized (within 100 feet), abs and esc warnings appeared and the car became immobilized. The car was flat-bedded to the dealer for repair. The right steering knuckle and related wheel/parts were replaced. On 6/23/2012 at about 25 mph, the abs, esc warnings showed, the car pulled to the right on braking. The car was pulled over and parked, and again flat-bedded to the dealer. The left steering knuckle and related parts were replaced. In short, the right steering knuckle failed, at low speed fortunately, and three months later the right failed in the same manner. Had these failures occurred at higher speed, they would have presented a serious steering control problem.
The esp light comes on, the car pulls to right and the speed pedal does not work. It happens while accelerating and almost had an accident due to lack of power to cross a major intersection. The esp light comes on and automatically disables the speed/gas pedal.
I own a 2003 mercedes Slk 230 , which brakes on it's own at all different speeds . After the car brakes to the right for a couple of second the bas/esp light comes on . I have had this happen on the highway at 60 mph (very scary). I have since had the brake switch changed , and wheel sensors and new battery. I have since picked my car up and no problem for the last 100 miles until today when the same thing occured at a lower speed . Car is back in the shop reading no codes !!!!!! I have gone to the mercedes forum and I find that this problem is not uncommon . It seems that the yaw sensor and or lateral control sensor goes and cause the car to think it is sliding and randomly brakes (always to the right) . All of the complaints have had thier owners in a panic . This seems to be extremely dangerous .
I bought a Slk 320 2002 model and while driving the right side brakes so violently the tires squeal, I am afraid to get on an interstate, and reading a lot of reviews I see I am not the only one. This is a tremendous safety concern.
While driving on highway all the sudden and without warning, car stopped in middle of highway, all electrical system of car was shot out and could not operate the brake steering and car was towed to a factory traied Mercedes Benz facility, diagnosis (no power to me2 control unit) the k40 relay module was replaced while in garage another Slk model was in for same identical problem since this could be a public safety issue is reported to you.