2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 24%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, 24% of the 21 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Rear subframe rusting from the inside out. Due to poor design, there is an arch that holds water in and the water can't get out causing it rust from the inside out. Searching mercedes online forums, this seems like a problem lots of people problem and mercedes denies this problem. I haven't had an accident yet, but it seems like it if I don't replace it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11307869, filed 2020-02“The brake lines are rusted from the rear sub Frame that was rusted And caused an accident. They told me the sub frame was the only item covered but that they could only bolt it and not weld if and then the exhaust and brake lines (rusted too bad to describe) weren’t covered and since I couldn’t afford it they only repaired the subframe and left the rest hanging ! My brakes failed on the way home. No one was injured but I can’t believe they let me go home with that condition!”
NHTSA complaint #11608172, filed 2024-08“The rear subframe is corroded to the point of about to fall off and subsequently anything that is attached. Mercedes has extended a warranty on the subframe which is excellent, but only the subFrame? What about the touching bits like the bolts and screws among other items that are connected to it. So now because I cannot afford the $5,000.00 needed for the other rusted pieces that are brittle and likely to fall off when the subframe is replaced, then they won’t do it. So I must jeapordize my safety as I have to get to school and work.”
NHTSA complaint #11533695, filed 2023-07“My vehicle has excessive rust issues that I’m being told by the dealership will compromise my safety. There is currently an extension of warranty for only the subframe in rear, but the rust is extended beyond that and is applied to the components needed to be removed in order to replace the subframe. Such as the exhaust pipe and brake lines as well. All are corroded to a high degree up to and including complete brittle material Disintegration. Exhaust and rear brake line cost make it impossible for me to have the vehicle brought back to safely drivable conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11544770, filed 2023-09Related service bulletins
- 11032684May 13, 2026Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can…
- 10025842Jul 28, 2008Mercedes benz: model 171.454, 456 (2005-2008) slk class; 204.054, 056, 081 (2008) c class; 211.022, 056, 072, 087, 090 (2006-2008) e class. Vehicles produced between 2/21/08 and…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 5 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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