2005 Mercedes Benz Slk problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1) · Power Train:manual Transmission (1) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz Slk model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (8)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System:wiring 2010-12-10 · SB-59783 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes-benz: there are electrical production quality issues that cause the air bag warning light to illuminate. *rm
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder 2009-06-15 · TSB-42-10-109 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. include all models an
Suspension:rear:axle:non-Powered Axle Assembly 2008-07-28 · PB-35-31-05 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mercedes benz: model 171.454, 456 (2005-2008) slk class; 204.054, 056, 081 (2008) c class; 211.022, 056, 072, 087, 090 (2006-2008) e class. vehicles produced between 2/21/08 and 4/3/08 with differential serial number 1824214 to 1865328. clunking noise during load change at rear axle differential.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2008-04-24 · 033008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. mercedes-benz model c230, c280, c350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, e350, e550, cls550, s600, and sl550. equipped with m272 engine or m273 engine. *nj updated 8/28/08. *pe
Power Train 2006-07-21 · 276077 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
harsh engagement when shifting. *tt
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine 2006-03-01 · 2006010004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
inspect routing of engine fan wiring harness and correct if necessary. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 8 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2011-10-05 · Power Train · 91,000 mi“took my car in, it would not go into reverse, then the engine was winding out really hi on the tachometer, mercedes said it was the valve body module in transmission, ok- then they told me my engine balance shaft was not working and the labor was 5628.00 they have not yet quoted me a price on the parts for either issue. said the engine will just se…”
2007-02-18 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 3,500 mi“[xxx] 2005 slk 350 i have a manual transmission it is hard to get into first gear from neutral where it slips into reverse. the dealer has not so far been able to duplicate this. i found online that there is a tsb on this. they say unless the can duplicate this they will not proceed with it. i informed the dealer earlier that i had a written note…”
2006-12-14 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 💥 crash“car continues to roll at stop light after i apply pressure to brake to stop car. must stop car further away from car in front to prevent possible contact. *nm…”
2006-05-30 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · 10,000 mi“dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50mph and accelerating the vehicle goes to neutral and looses power. the vehicle must be put into park, turned off and restarted to regain power. there is not a delay from the time it is turned off until start up. the vehicle has stalled a total of three times. the dealership has been alerted and replaced…”
2005-12-28 · Power Train:automatic Transmission · 6,000 mi“dt: the contact stated the car was burning an excessive amount of oil. the vehicle used two quarts of oil at only 5, 500 miles. the dealership test drove the vehicle and found that the valves were not seated. also, at times while pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle will not move it will only rev the engine. the dealership was contacted, they…”
2005-09-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 1,846 mi“excessive oil consumption 7 - 8 quarts in 6800 miles . *nm…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.