Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 61 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 61 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, across 10 model years (2005–2017). The 2005 model year has the most complaints (21). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Peak: 2005, with 21 complaints
2005: 212005212006: 102006102007: 132007132008: 4200842012: 122012122013: 0201302014: 1201412015: 0201502016: 0201602017: 020170

n = 61 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SLK350 year: 2005. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2005 SLK350: 21 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2007 SLK350: 13 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2012 SLK350: 12 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2014 SLK350: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  2. 2008 SLK350: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2006 SLK350: 10 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags1540
Power Train1230
Engine840
Suspension621
Fuel/propulsion System520
Service Brakes511
Electrical System430
Structure440
Vehicle Speed Control321
Engine and Engine Cooling211
Exterior Lighting220
Seats220
Steering220
Visibility/wiper220
Fuel System, Gasoline111
Wheels110

All Mercedes-Benz SLK350 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2017 SLK35000——
2016 SLK35002——
2015 SLK35002——
2014 SLK35012—Structure
2013 SLK35002——
2012 SLK350120—Fuel/propulsion SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
2008 SLK35042—Air Bags
2007 SLK350131—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2006 SLK350100—Power TrainAbout as many complaints as other years
2005 SLK350210—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years

More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercedes-Benz SLK350 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2005 (21) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SLK350 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes-Benz SLK350?

Air Bags, with 15 complaints across 4 model years.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 have?

7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.