2005 Mercedes Benz SLK Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 5, 2011 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other SLK years
Not enough data 4th of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK. That ranks 4th out of 13 SLK model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (4 complaints, 67%), typically at around 8,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train4 · ~8,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling3 · ~6,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train467%8,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling350%6,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic117%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2005, with 2 complaints
2005: 2200522006: 2200622007: 1200712011: 120111

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 Mercedes Benz SLK recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical systemJul 7, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · 404 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

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 fuel delivery as designed.

Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Power Train · received Oct 5, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10428838

[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…

Power Train · received Feb 18, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10182887

Car continues to roll at stop light after i apply pressure to brake to stop car. Must stop car further away from car in front to prevent possible contact. *nm

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Dec 14, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10176164

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…

Power Train · received May 30, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10158579

Dt: the contact stated the car was burning an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle used two quarts of oil at only 5, 500 miles. The dealership test drove the vehicle and found that the valves were not seated. Also, at times while pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle will not move it will only…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Dec 28, 2005 · NHTSA complaint 10146300

Other Mercedes Benz SLK years

← 2004 SLK · 2006 SLK →

See all Mercedes Benz SLK problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK?

Owners most often report power train, engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 4 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other SLK model years, the 2005 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.