Used car guide

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLKs, from 4,481 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

4,481MOT tests in 2025
74%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
5,200typical miles a year
3.3×the usual rate for link ball joint covers

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLKs than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Link ball joint covers3.3× usual
    Mercedes-Benz SLK
    6.6% All 2013 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Wheel bearings3.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz SLK
    4.2% All 2013 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.5% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Better than most

Number plate lights: 0.9% here, against 6.1% of all 2013 cars. Engine oil leaks: 2.4% here, against 5.8% of all 2013 cars.

By area

The share of 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    26% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    23% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    12% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20161,248Tyres 31%
20154,852Tyres 30%
20144,786Tyres 31%
20125,482Tyres 30%
20112,481Brakes 30%
20102,039Brakes 31%
20092,444Suspension 33%
20083,124Suspension 35%
20073,390Suspension 37%
20063,487Suspension 36%
20054,447Suspension 36%
20042,774Suspension 38%
20031,531Lights and electrics 35%
20021,637Brakes 35%
20011,856Brakes 33%
20001,515Lights and electrics 35%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLKs registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score