2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 12 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other SLK350 years
About as many complaints as other years 3rd of 10 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350. That ranks 3rd out of 10 SLK350 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (3 complaints, 25%), typically at around 4,151 miles. Complaints mention 1 injury. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

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

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Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems

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

Fuel/propulsion System3 · ~4,151 mi
Unknown or Other3 · ~25,375 mi
Air Bags1 · ~5,800 mi
Electrical System1 · ~13,255 mi
Engine1 · ~4,900 mi
Power Train1 · ~4,900 mi
Seats1 · ~48,000 mi
Steering1 · ~13,255 mi
Structure1
Suspension1 · ~28,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel/propulsion System325%4,151——
Unknown or Other325%25,375——
Air Bags18%5,800——
Electrical System18%13,255——
Engine18%4,900——
Power Train18%4,900——
Seats18%48,000——
Steering18%13,255——
Structure18%———
Suspension18%28,000——
Wheels18%105,000——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2014, with 2 complaints
2012: 1201212013: 1201312014: 2201422015: 2201522016: 1201612020: 1202012021: 1202112022: 1202212025: 1202512026: 120261

n = 12 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.

Recent owner reports

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

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…

Structure · received Sep 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761772

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)

Fuel/propulsion System · received Oct 6, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11691757

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…

Wheels · received Nov 3, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11492157

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…

Seats · received Sep 23, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11433988

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…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 1, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11337084

Other Mercedes-Benz SLK350 years

← 2008 SLK350 · 2013 SLK350 →

See all Mercedes-Benz SLK350 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350?

Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other, air bags problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other SLK350 model years, the 2012 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.