2005 Mercedes Benz SLK
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2012 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
4 of 6 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-12-28
Excessive oil consumption 7 - 8 quarts in 6800 miles .
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-23
Service brakes
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2008-08-30Electrical system08V303000 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…
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Mercedes Benz SLK — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V303000 · Electrical system
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.