Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK280 complaints by model year
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK280. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, he crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the contact sustained chest injuries from the seat belt. The vehicle sustained severe damage to the front end and was towed to a collision center for repairs. A police report was not filed of the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Takata recall#16v-081 trying to get help from dealership having difficulties. I'm uncertain if I have other unknown issues as checked marked. This is the 2nd recall. I am having a safety concern on this vehicle I purchased and management is not cooperating/ assisting upset over a previous defective battery. I am uncertain if the same issue is recurring and or effecting the door locks, dome lights, electronics, lights, vehicle will not start.
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 SLK280 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the SLK280 at the same age. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280?
The air bags — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280, the most recent from February 11, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 29,000 miles; 75% 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.