Model year record
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls & problems
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 21 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is power train (6 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
SLK350
| City / highway | 17 / 23 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
SLK350
| City / highway | 16 / 23 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission | 6 | 45,000 mi |
| Unknown or other | 6 | — |
| Service brakes | 5 | 160,000 mi |
| Suspension | 5 | — |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | — |
| Electrical system | 2 | — |
| Engine | 2 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | — |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | — |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | — |
| Steering | 1 | — |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually came to a rolling stop on the side of the road. In addition, the parking brake was activated; however, but failed to activate as intended. The contact stated that the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the brake fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost involved in two crashes because of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware…
- Service brakesCrash3 injuries
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) werenât covered and since I couldnât 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 canât believe they let me go home with that condition!
- Power train
the conductor plate along with its speed sensor is faulty. Luckily I just exit the highway, the transmission just stopped working, can't drive forward or reverse and when I apply gas on either D or R, just the RPM speed up as if the car is in neutral. I was stranded on the middle of the road. this happened a few time. after turning off the car and turn it back on usually reset it for a little bit. the first time, I have to replace the transmission.
- Unknown or other
transmission lines popping off popped off at 60 miles per hour tensed me up it stared smoking pushed the safety hazzard lights on and was able to limp it off the highway its happened 3 times after i repaired them afraid to even drive it now.no no no
- Visibility/wiper1 injury
As i was driving (on a bridge) the convertible top/roof gushed and dumped an incredible amount of hydraulic fluid/oil right in my face unexpectedly! This came out of the blue. I had just raised it since it began to rain. The combination of raining weather and being on a one lane bridge and then having that spew into my face rendered me unable to see and had Me swerving almost off the bridge as the other lane had vehicles driving. I almost wrecked and was left with highly painful eyes. In truth it could have lead to death without question had I not had a towel in my passenger seat to wipe my face. Iâm now terrified to drive it but have to. Please help, especially if any others are having…
- Service brakes
My vehicle has excessive rust issues that Iâm 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. I have to get to work daily or my family will not eat or have a roof but at a cost of more than what the car is even worth I…
- Engine
improper heat treatment of the balance shaft spocket causing the balance shaft to worn out resulting in advance timing of the CAM. Mercedes acknowledges it's an known issue but don't cover cost of fixing it. Once ecu detected timing is off, it will stop the transmission from accelerating without any warning. Happened to me on a highway, good thing the car still have some momentum and was able to pull to the shoulder while others cars are coming from behind.
- Suspension
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 wonât do it. So I must jeapordize my safety as I have to get to school and work.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.