2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350
Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
6 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
First incident I was driving down a mountain (Malibu canyon road) around 10:30PM and the automatic transmission went out of gear by itself and I had no forward control. The engine revved but the transmission was not engaged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-24
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
4/3/2007. 2005 Mercedes Benz slk 350. Consumer states that occasionally when the vehicle is in neutral at a stop light it is extremely hard to go into first gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-04-05
Suspension
5 of 21 total reports mention: suspension.
Service brakes
5 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
The brake lines are rusted from the rear sub Frame that was rusted And caused an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-13
The emergency brake line caught fire underneath the arm rest compartment. Traced the line back to rear tires and nothing electrical could be seen touching brake cable line. So no obvious reason why cable would ignite.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-17
Also filed under Electrical system
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 21 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly shut off twice while driving 40 MPH. There was plenty of fuel in the vehicle during both failures. The vehicle could not be restarted once it shut off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-05-27
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350 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 SLK350?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.