2006 Mercedes Benz Slk280 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Exterior Lighting (3) · Seat Belts (2) · Air Bags (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz Slk280 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 (58)
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 58 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-08-12 · Exterior Lighting“headlight wires (inside housing) are frayed / melted. can cause fire. i was replacing my bulb when i noticed the wires in the plug were completely stripped with no shielding. i traced it back to the connector and the wire shields were either frayed or completely gone…”
2022-08-17 · Structure:body“trunk failure. the trunk, when open, may suddenly fall very fast at any time. when you open the trunk it stays open but without warning may suddenly drop hitting you in the head. the trunk is actually quit heavy and can cause serious trauma to a person or damage to the vehicle as it slams down with force.…”
2022-08-17 · Exterior Lighting“electrical system faulty. front lowbeam headlight warning light on. mechanic changed headlight bulb but it still did not work. after about a week the warning indicator went off and headlight worked. a few days went by and the indicator came on again. the low beam did not work. this time the left side marker lamp indicator came on and the bulb w…”
2018-12-20 · Exterior Lighting · 112,000 mi“the rear marker lights are going on and off for the last few months, now they are off for good. the wires to the lights look fine, the bulbs look fine. i have even replaced the bulbs but they still dont work on one side. earlier models are having same issue as this model. this car is unsafe.…”
2018-06-01 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood · 168,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz slk280. the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the passenger side marker light bulb replaced and was advised that the vehicle had a faulty harness. the mechanic stated that the harness needed to be replaced as soon as possible because it could short out and start an engine fire. the…”
2016-03-07 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 78,905 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2006 mercedes-benz slk280. while driving 60 mph, the contact noticed strong fuel odors in the vehicle. the failure occurred randomly. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mi…”
2016-02-13 · Seat Belts · 98,500 mi“srs light went on and stayed on. dealer says driver restraint system failed. repair would cost $700.00. this is a critical safety issue and this model car should be recalled for repair by dealer at mercedes benz cost, as this is a common failure on this model and likely a defect.…”
2015-11-19 · Vehicle Speed Control · 55,000 mi“while driving on a 50 mph expressway, my car suddenly went into a low gear, rev'ing very high. i had to decelerate quickly and i was unable to speed up to keep up with the flow of traffic. the dealer said a conductor plate had to be replaced. but this is a real safety issue.…”
2015-09-09 · Engine“driving on freeway... all of sudden car goes in low gear no warning has done this about 4 times. twice almost rear ended. took to shop was told it was valve body/ conductor plate issue that would have to be fixed at dealer due to a defective part mb used on this transmission. car went into limp mode and would not go into gear. valve body / conducto…”
2015-03-07 · Electrical System · 97,000 mi“my car is a 2006 mercedes benz slk280. the srs light indicator turned on and stayed on.. the garage said the cost of repair of the srs system would be over $400.00. i do not know if the restraint system / airbag will work if there is an accident, it may be a very hazardous condition if the mercedes impact protection system is not working. many …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.