Menu

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLKProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints61 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage8kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 5, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train40
Engine and engine cooling30
Service brakes, hydraulic11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system

Recall 08V-303 · Jul 7, 2008 · 404 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other SLK year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SLK median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SLK owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10428838 · Oct 5, 2011 · 91,000 miles
[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…
Complaint 10182887 · Feb 18, 2007 · 3,500 miles
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…
Complaint 10158579 · May 30, 2006 · 10,000 miles

Own a 2005 SLK?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.