Most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK complaints by model year
Best SLK years: 2000, 1999, 2005. Years to avoid: 2002, 2001. Compare all years →
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK recalls (1)
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
What 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Dt: the contact stated the car was burning an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle used two quarts of oil at only 5, 500 miles. The dealership test drove the vehicle and found that the valves were not seated. Also, at times while pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle will not move it will only rev the engine. The dealership was contacted, they told her the next time this occurred to shut the engine by putting the car in park and turning the key to the off position. There have been no repairs made to the transmission because the dealership did not have enough information to make any corrections. Updated 2/24/2006 - the vehicle was towed tot he dealer on 1/26/2006 and told that there was a problem with the transmission. The vehicle was left at the dealer for the repairs to be made. The vehicle was returned to the consumer. …
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50mph and accelerating the vehicle goes to neutral and looses power. The vehicle must be put into park, turned off and restarted to regain power. There is not a delay from the time it is turned off until start up. The vehicle has stalled a total of three times. The dealership has been alerted and replaced the transmission control module etc on May 16th, the problem returned on May 27, 2006. The dealership has been unable to successfully correct the problem. The contact has been in touch with a service advisor who explained they need to speak with someone regarding the issue before they inspect the vehicle again. The vehicle has not been inspected by the sales dealer because of the distance to the repair shop. The sales dealer instructed the contact to take the vehicle to another service dealer near the contact's residence. …
Engine & cooling
Dt: the contact stated the car was burning an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle used two quarts of oil at only 5, 500 miles. The dealership test drove the vehicle and found that the valves were not seated. Also, at times while pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle will not move it will only rev the engine. The dealership was contacted, they told her the next time this occurred to shut the engine by putting the car in park and turning the key to the off position. There have been no repairs made to the transmission because the dealership did not have enough information to make any corrections. Updated 2/24/2006 - the vehicle was towed tot he dealer on 1/26/2006 and told that there was a problem with the transmission. The vehicle was left at the dealer for the repairs to be made. The vehicle was returned to the consumer. …
Took my car in, it would not go into reverse, then the engine was winding out really hi on the tachometer, Mercedes said it was the valve body module in transmission, OK- then they told me my engine balance shaft was not working and the labor was 5628.00 they have not yet quoted me a price on the parts for either issue. Said the engine will just seize up when driving, I looked this up on internet and there seems to be a class action suit going on with this balance shaft issue.is this a safety issue they overlooked possibly ? Miles as low as 62K having same issue. [redacted]
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 SLK rates average: 27% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SLK at the same age. It is one of the best SLK years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1999 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz SLK years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 6,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.