Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | −33% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2015 | 0 | −33% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2014 | 1 | typical | 2 | Body | Few |
| 2013 | 0 | −33% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2012 | 12 | 3.3× | — | Fuel System | Average |
| 2008 | 4 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Few |
| 2007 | 13 | typical | 1 | Airbag | Few |
| 2006 | 10 | 1.7× | — | Transmission | Few |
| 2005 | 21 | 2.7× | — | Transmission | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median SLK350 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software
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.
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015 SLK 250, 2016 SLK 350, 2016-2017 SLC 300, and 2017 SLC 43 AMG vehicles. In these vehicles, the electronic stability control (ESC) system software may incorrectly keep the brakes slightly applied.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the ESC system, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 SLK300, SLK350, SL400, SL550, and SL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from June 29, 2015, through July 13, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with low-beam headlights that may have been aimed incorrectly during vehicle production.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary adjust the headlamps, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz SLK350?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other SLK350 years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (15), transmission & drivetrain (12) and engine & cooling (10). Airbag complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 had?
7 recalls across 2005–2016. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls by year.
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.