Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems
Share of the 12 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
My mechanic says it's the fuel filter and it has been discontinued. I am a single woman and I am now afraid to drive my car. l am stressed about breaking down or being killed. Please help me. [redacted]
I parked my car with an almost full tank of gas while I was at work. After leaving work, I started the car and while I was driving I smelled a strong gasoline odor, and in about 3 miles the engine acted like it was running out of fuel, then died on a freeway off-ramp due to fuel exhaustion. A caltrans (or san jose) freeway safety car came by and put about 2 gallons of gas in my tank, but as soon as the engine started we both smelled raw gasoline. I then drove about 1/8 of a mile to the nearest parking lot and stopped, and we both smelled very strong gasoline odor and found fuel leaking onto the ground, where it pooled in a large puddle. There was no fire, but easily could have been. …
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 SLK350 rates average: 3.3× 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350?
The fuel & propulsion system — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (1) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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.
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 90% 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.