2012 Mercedes-Benz Slk350 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Fuel/Propulsion System (2) · Wheels:rim (1) · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (63)
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,
Steering 2026-08-28 · LI46.35-P-067339 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint during part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. or rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control
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
Electrical System 2026-05-26 · LI82.85-P-080507 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint after successful commissioning of the hermes control unit (n112/9) with xentry diagnosis dvd 03/2026, the message "sos - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. in addition, the following two conditions are also met: • hermes (n112/9) control unit: event code b15ce00 is a
Showing the 6 most recent of 63 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-09-02 · Structure:body“while driving on the highway the roof polycarbonate top started to buffet at speed prompting a rapid deceleration of the car for fear of the roof flying off. the car has been evaluated at the mercedes dealer which stated that the roof was delaminating. i am now unable to drive to convertible with the top up for fear of a mechanical failure placin…”
2025-10-06 · Fuel/Propulsion System“my mechanic says it's the fuel filter and it has been discontinued. i am a single woman and i am now afraid to drive my car. l am stressed about breaking down or being killed. please help me. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)…”
2022-11-03 · Wheels:rim · 105,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 mercedes-benz slk350. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. the contact stated that as she pulled over and parked the vehicle, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated for the driver's side rear tire. when the contact exited the vehic…”
2021-09-23 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint · 48,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 mercedes-benz slk350. the contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the front passenger’s side headrest erroneously deployed. during the failure no crash had occurred, and no passenger was seated in the vehicle. the cause of the failure was not determined. the local dealer was notified of the failure but not assista…”
2020-07-01 · Unknown Or Other · 25,375 mi“glove box facing has detached from the lower side. it hangs further out than the glove box and could be a danger to the passenger in the event of an accident or even a hard stop. it started coming apart 3 years ago. from my research on the internet it is a known problem with this model car. it came apart over time from heat and sub-standard glu…”
2016-04-22 · Steering · 13,255 mi“electric steering wheel locks, when you go back to the car all the electrical system is not working the car is dead as dead, if you happen to be in a bad neighborhood your life is in danger, the car must be towed to the mercedes dealer, practically what happen to so many car owner i know is that eis / esl the eis module where you insert key to sta…”
2015-05-21 · Unknown Or Other · 20,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz slk350. the contact stated that the vehicle had a bad odor. the vehicle was treated (cleaned, vaporized, filters were changed, interior was ionized) by the dealer; however, the odor recurred continuously. the failure mileage was approximately 20,000. …”
2015-02-20 · Air Bags · 5,800 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz slk350. the contact stated that the occupant classification system warning light illuminated. the vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 5,800. …”
2014-09-26 · Unknown Or Other · 28,000 mi“moved from san francisco to palm springs, upon being in the desert with increased temperatures, my car started emitting strong fumes that smell like burning crayons, thought it was coming from exhaust because it was burning my eyes and causing headaches. took into dealer at palm springs mercedes, and they informed me that they have had this prob…”
2014-05-19 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm · 28,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz slk 350. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the contact heard a loud pop from the rear of the vehicle. the rear of the vehicle swerved to the left. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that both control arms needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.