2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 13%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280, 13% of the 8 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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 the transmission went out on that one too. Big mistake on my part; what are the odds that another new one would go bad? The mercedes 7 speed automatic transmissions was a complete nightmare experience for me. Since 2008, every time I see a mercedes slk, I sometimes attempt to take a moment and ask the driver of the car: hey, how's the transmission?”
NHTSA complaint #10413765, filed 2011-07Related 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)
- 10038971Apr 20, 2011Mercedes-benz: rattling noise at the shift rod.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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