Mercedes-Benz SLK280 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz SLK280 model year from 2006–2008 using 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. No SLK280 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

3model years
49complaints
2recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

20062007200818238
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz SLK280. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20088typical1AirbagAverage
200723typical2AirbagAverage
2006181.2×—AirbagAverage

* Complaints compared with the median SLK280 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz SLK280 problems

  • Air bagsworst: 2007
    2755%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2006
    612%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2006
    48%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2006
    48%
  • Lightsworst: 2006
    36%
  • Body & structureworst: 2006
    36%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2006
    36%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2007
    36%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2006
    24%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2007
    24%
  • Other / not specified
    24%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2006
    12%

Latest Mercedes-Benz SLK280 recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software

NHTSA recall 22V-168 · Mar 18, 2022 · 22 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 16V-081 · Feb 11, 2016 · 711,159 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic,…

Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK280 should you avoid?

None of the Mercedes-Benz SLK280 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz SLK280 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (27), electrical system (6) and engine & cooling (4). Airbag complaints peak in the 2007 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SLK280 had?

2 recalls across 2006–2008. The model year with the most is 2007.

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.