2008 Mercedes Benz Slk280 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (3) · Tires (1) · Structure:body (1)
🧭 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 (1)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2016-02-11 · campaign 16V081000 · 711,159 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-201
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Service bulletins (60)
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 60 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2017-11-06 · Air Bags“takata recall notified over a year ago of recall. we have called 4 times to dealer since we received notice and they still cannot tell us anything. now i see they have filed bankrupcy. i have a car that i do not feel safe driving and cannot put anyone in the other seat.…”
2016-10-26 · Air Bags“"takata recall" - my 2008 mercedes-benz slk280 has not had the airbag replaced as of oct. 26, 2016. my vehicle has an airbag with a takata made inflator, according to the recall notice.…”
2016-06-28 · Unknown Or Other“takata recall#16v-081 trying to get help from dealership having difficulties. i'm uncertain if i have other unknown issues as checked marked. this is the 2nd recall. i am having a safety concern on this vehicle i purchased and management is not cooperating/ assisting upset over a previous defective battery. i am uncertain if the same issue is …”
2014-10-30 · Structure:body · 29,120 mi“the convertible hard top hydraulic system start to leak oil to driver and passenger seat. the hard top does not move and difficult to close. i have received notification from several owners that it is a current problem of all vehicles of models. this is an unsafely problem, since the hard top, rear glass and trunk has problem to be locked complete…”
2014-01-31 · Air Bags · 56,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz slk280. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy and the contact sustained chest injuries from the seat belt. the vehicle sustained severe damage to the front end and was towed to a collision center for repairs. a …”
2013-08-22 · Electrical System · 10,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz slk280. the contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the hard convertible top would not release open when activated by the control device. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact of a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 08v303000 (electrical syste…”
2011-07-20 · Power Train:automatic Transmission“owned a brand new 2007 mercedes slk 280 and the transmission was pushing and pulling to the point that it went out and had to be completely replaced; and ultimately, it was a 'buy-back.' afterwards, i had another new mercedes 280, now a 2008, and the transmission went out on that one too. big mistake on my part; what are the odds that another ne…”
2010-06-29 · Tires · 25,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz slk280. the vehicle was equipped with bridgestone potenza tires, tire size 225/4.5/17. the contact was driving approximately 5 mph when he heard a loud noise coming from the outside of the vehicle. the failure occurred whenever traveling at low speeds. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer four…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.