2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK280, 11% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,500 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.
“The contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz SLK280. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted gears without warning. The dealer stated that the valve body needed to be replaced at the cost of $2,562. The manufacturer would not assist and the vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10273569, filed 2009-06, 80,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 mercedes benz slk 280. The contact stated that the engine RPM reading increased as the engine roared and the gear shifter disengaged independently. As a result, the vehicle lost acceleration power. The failure was experienced several times while the contact drove at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The failure was located at the transmission control plate. The vehicle was repaired and the transmission control plate was replaced. The VIN was not available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535206, filed 2013-08, 59,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10166994Feb 25, 2014Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK280
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK280
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