2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2008
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 18 |
| 2007 | 23 |
| 2008 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
4 of 8 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact sustained chest injuries from the seat belt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-31
Takata recall notified over a year ago of recall. We have called 4 times to dealer since we received notice and they still cannot tell us anything. Now I see they have filed bankrupcy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-06
Electrical system
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary, the hard convertible top would not release open when activated by the control device.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-22
Tires
1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280. The vehicle was equipped with bridgestone potenza tires, tire size 225/4.5/17. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH when he heard a loud noise coming from the outside of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-29
Structure
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
The convertible hard top hydraulic system start to leak oil to driver and passenger seat. The hard top does not move and difficult to close. I have received notification from several owners that it is a current problem of all vehicles of models.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-30
Power train
1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Owned a brand new 2007 mercedes slk 280 and the transmission was pushing and pulling to the point that it went out and had to be completely replaced; and ultimately, it was a 'buy-back.' afterwards, I had another new mercedes 280, now a 2008, and...
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-20
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-10-18Air bags16V081000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V081000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280 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 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280 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.