2005 Mercedes Benz Slk350 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (2) · Power Train (2) · Fuel/Propulsion System (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz Slk350 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 (59)
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.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Suspension 2026-05-13 · LI35.10-P-078931 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier cause due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier remedy in the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing t
Showing the 6 most recent of 59 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-08-29 · Service Brakes · 171,000 mi“the contact owns a 2005 mercedes-benz slk-350. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. the contact stated that the vehicle eventually came to a rolling stop on the side of the road. in addition, the parking brake was activated; however, but failed…”
2024-08-13 · Unknown Or Other · 💥 crash“the brake lines are rusted from the rear sub frame that was rusted and caused an accident. they told me the sub frame was the only item covered but that they could only bolt it and not weld if and then the exhaust and brake lines (rusted too bad to describe) weren’t covered and since i couldn’t afford it they only repaired the subframe and left the…”
2024-06-03 · Power Train“ the conductor plate along with its speed sensor is faulty. luckily i just exit the highway, the transmission just stopped working, can't drive forward or reverse and when i apply gas on either d or r, just the rpm speed up as if the car is in neutral. i was stranded on the middle of the road. this happened a few time. after turning off the car …”
2023-10-07 · Unknown Or Other“transmission lines popping off popped off at 60 miles per hour tensed me up it stared smoking pushed the safety hazzard lights on and was able to limp it off the highway its happened 3 times after i repaired them afraid to even drive it now.no no no…”
2023-09-25 · Visibility/Wiper“as i was driving (on a bridge) the convertible top/roof gushed and dumped an incredible amount of hydraulic fluid/oil right in my face unexpectedly! this came out of the blue. i had just raised it since it began to rain. the combination of raining weather and being on a one lane bridge and then having that spew into my face rendered me unable to se…”
2023-09-15 · Unknown Or Other“my vehicle has excessive rust issues that i’m being told by the dealership will compromise my safety. there is currently an extension of warranty for only the subframe in rear, but the rust is extended beyond that and is applied to the components needed to be removed in order to replace the subframe. such as the exhaust pipe and brake lines as well…”
2023-08-10 · Engine“improper heat treatment of the balance shaft spocket causing the balance shaft to worn out resulting in advance timing of the cam. mercedes acknowledges it's an known issue but don't cover cost of fixing it. once ecu detected timing is off, it will stop the transmission from accelerating without any warning. happened to me on a highway, good th…”
2023-07-21 · Suspension“the rear subframe is corroded to the point of about to fall off and subsequently anything that is attached. mercedes has extended a warranty on the subframe which is excellent, but only the subframe? what about the touching bits like the bolts and screws among other items that are connected to it. so now because i cannot afford the $5,000.00 needed…”
2022-06-16 · Suspension“a few days after a scheduled service visit at a local mercedes-benz (mb) dealer i noticed a creaking sound coming from the rear of my 2005 slk350 that continued to get louder as time went by. i scheduled another appointment for post-inspection and i received the unfortunate news that corrosion of the subframe had resulted in a critical fracture ren…”
2020-06-10 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 76,000 mi“the fuel gauge is working erratically. after filling up with fuel, gauge shows 3/4 full. next morning, shows full. after driving 25 miles into work, fuel gauge show 1/4 full. end of the day, fuel gauge shows 1/2 full or empty. the reading can be almost anywhere and is unreliable. i have had to resort to tracking mileage and filling up before …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.