Mercedes-Benz SLK280 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK280 (2006–2008) that have at least 5 complaints. 2007 has the most, with 23. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (27 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All SLK280 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 8 | 27,060 | 1 | 60 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 23 | 29,000 | 2 | 56 | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 18 | 78,905 | 0 | 58 | — | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags27 52%
- Electrical system6 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 7.7%
- Body and structure3 5.8%
- Seat belts3 5.8%
- Fuel system3 5.8%
- Exterior lighting3 5.8%
- Engine cooling3 5.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “My car is a 2006 mercedes benz SLK280. The srs light indicator turned on and stayed on.. The garage said the cost of repair of the srs system would be over $400.00. I do not know if the restraint system / airbag will work if there is an accident, it may be a very hazardous condition if the mercedes impact protection system is not working. Many other SLK280 owners have also complained about this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10692679, filed 2015-03, 97,000 miles2007: “The exhaust actuators were determined bad and replaced now at 47,000miles they are bad again and not warrantied as the state I reside in does require emissions control inspection and mercedes is aware there is a defect this should prompt a recall. I have tried unsuccessfully to resolve this matter with mercedes.”
NHTSA complaint #10513104, filed 2013-05, 28,865 miles2008: “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. This is an unsafely problem, since the hard top, rear glass and trunk has problem to be locked completely. Apparently the mercedes benz manufacturer know that the hydraulic cylinders seals fail, once the mineral oil lose its property. …”
NHTSA complaint #10651290, filed 2014-10, 29,120 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,963 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML320
740 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
657 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology