2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 67%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK, 67% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Took my car in, it would not go into reverse, then the engine was winding out really hi on the tachometer, mercedes said it was the valve body module in transmission, ok- then they told me my engine balance shaft was not working and the labor was 5628.00 they have not yet quoted me a price on the parts for either issue. Said the engine will just seize up when driving, I looked this up on internet and there seems to be a class action suit going on with this balance shaft issue.is this a safety issue they overlooked possibly ? Miles as low as 62k having same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428838, filed 2011-10, 91,000 miles“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. Also, at times while pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle will not move it will only rev the engine. The dealership was contacted, they told her the next time this occurred to shut the engine by putting the car in park and turning the key to the off position. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146300, filed 2005-12, 6,000 miles“The contact stated while traveling 50mph and accelerating the vehicle goes to neutral and looses power. The vehicle must be put into park, turned off and restarted to regain power. There is not a delay from the time it is turned off until start up. The vehicle has stalled a total of three times. The dealership has been alerted and replaced the transmission control module etc on may 16th, the problem returned on may 27, 2006. The dealership has been unable to successfully correct the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10158579, filed 2006-05, 10,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10020186Jul 21, 2006Harsh engagement when shifting.
- 10018931Dec 13, 2005Learning in selection range sensor not possible after ehs replacement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology