Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems
Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints by model year
Best SLK350 years: 2013, 2015, 2016. Compare all years →
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls (2)
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.
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 SLK350:
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 SLK350 owners say
Air bags
Takata recall. Recall in February 2016, notified in May 2016, and was advised recently by local Mercedes dealership that parts to repair are still not available. This is unacceptable, other brands (Honda) have excess parts but Mercedes has none. I have been unable to drive my car for over 4 months due to this deadly safety recall.
Takata recall. I've been waiting for a year now for a replacement to be available. The date for a replacement has been continually pushed back, and it is unclear when, if ever, a fix will be available. Mercedes needs to do something to get this fixed, or to make it right.
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 a good car?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 SLK350 rates few complaints: about as many complaints as a typical year of the SLK350 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 SLK350?
The air bags — 4 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, the most recent from March 18, 2022 (software). 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 SLK350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2015 and 2016. See the full Mercedes-Benz SLK350 years comparison.
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.