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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2005–2016

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 61 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, covering model years 2005 to 2016. The 2005 model year drew the most complaints (21), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz SLK350 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 7 recall campaigns on file
  • 61 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 9 model years with data (2005–2016)
  • most complaints: 2005 (21 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (15 complaints)
  • latest recall 22V168000 (reported Mar 18, 2022)
  • 3 complaints reporting a crash (4.9%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a fire (3.3%)
  • 4 complaints reporting an injury (6.6%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2005 model year has the most complaints: 21 of 61, or 34.4%. Next come 2007 (13) and 2012 (12). The fewest are for 2014, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2005–2014Column chart of 61 complaints across 10 model years. The highest is 2005 with 21. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2005: 21 complaints2120052006: 10 complaints1020062007: 13 complaints1320072008: 4 complaints420082009: 0 complaints20092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 12 complaints1220122013: 0 complaints20132014: 1 complaint12014
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2005212120
2006101110
2007130000
200840000
2012120010
201410000
All model years613240

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz SLK350 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 15 complaints (24.6% of all 61), followed by Power Train (12) and Engine (8).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags1524.6%
Power Train1219.7%
Unknown or Other914.8%
Engine813.1%
Suspension69.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System58.2%
Service Brakes58.2%
Electrical System46.6%
Structure46.6%
Vehicle Speed Control34.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling23.3%
Exterior Lighting23.3%
Seats23.3%
Steering23.3%
Visibility/Wiper23.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recalls

7 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name SLK350, newest first. The 7 campaigns cover model years 2007 to 2016. 5 model years tie for the most campaigns (2 each).

  • 7 recall campaigns
  • 1 over-the-air remedy
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2007: 1 campaign2008: 2 campaigns2009: no campaigns
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: 2 campaigns2014: 2 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 22V168000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM) › Software; Electronic Stability Control (ESC) › Control Module › Software; Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software

    Model year 2008

    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. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

    Consequence:
    Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.
    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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040003.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V787000

    Reported

    Communication

    Model years 2013–2016 · Over-the-air fix

    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. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

    Consequence:
    An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
    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. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 17V308000

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    Model year 2016

    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.

    Consequence:
    If brake pads are constantly applied over long periods of driving, the brake components may heat up, affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the dragging brakes may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 16V439000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 2015

    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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence:
    Improperly adjusted low-beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 16V081000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2007–2008

    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, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 14V386000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2014

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2014 SLK 250, SLK 350, SLK 55 AMG, SL 550, SL 63 AMG, and SL 65 AMG vehicles manufactured March 19, 2014, through May 5, 2014. Due to an air bag assembly error, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating front passenger air bag deployment, the front passenger seat airbag may not properly deploy, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger seat occupant.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. Mercedes-Benz distributed an interim letter to owners on July 17, 2014. A second owner letter was mailed after parts became available in mid August 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised that passengers or other items should not be placed in the passenger seat.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 13V236000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Air Bags

    Model year 2013

    Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SLK250 and SLK350 vehicles manufactured October 9, 2012, through November 20, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not correctly differentiate between a child seat or a very light person being in the front passenger seat.

    Consequence:
    If the OCS incorrectly classifies a very light person as being a child seat, in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the system would deactivate the passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on July 26, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 have?

NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, covering model years 2005 to 2016. The most recent, 22V168000, was reported on March 18, 2022 and is filed under “Engine and engine cooling”.

Which Mercedes-Benz SLK350 model year has the most complaints?

The 2005 model year, with 21 of the 61 complaints in NHTSA’s file (34.4%). The next are 2007 (13) and 2012 (12). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 15 complaints, or 24.6% of all 61. Power Train (12) and Engine (8) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz SLK350?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz SLK350 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 61 complaints, 3 report a crash, 2 a fire, 4 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.