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VIN REPORT

WDBWK54F16F0811122006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-ClassSLK280

Risk Score
20
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Clear
No active recalls
34
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
20 yrs
Made in GERMANY
B-
Score: 80/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 34 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 2 injuries reported across 34 owner complaints
20/100
Moderate Risk
1 moderate risk signal detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
MERCEDES-BENZ
Model
SLK-Class
Year
2006
Trim / Series
SLK280
Body Style
Convertible/Cabriolet
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 3.0L
Doors
2
Manufacturer
MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
Assembly
BREMEN, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 BREMEN, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • 1 complaint(s) involved a fire
Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~240,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 20 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 20 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 20 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 20 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 20 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 20 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
0CLEAR
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ.
1 in 17

2 injuries reported across 34 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
13
Electrical
6
Body/Structure
1 inj5
Safety Systems
5
Other
1 crash1 inj4
Visibility
1
2011
2
2012
2
2013
3
2014
5
2015
7
2016
3
2018
2
2019
1
2022
3
2024
1
37% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Declining -67%
1
Last 24 months
3
Prior 24 months
Fire/smoke3
Electrical failure2
Engine stalling1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (4)Rain/wet (4)Startup (3)Parking/low-speed (1)
34HIGH VOLUME
1
Fire
1
Crash
2
Injuries
ODI #11607894ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight wires (Inside Housing) are frayed / melted. Can cause fire. I was replacing my bulb when I noticed the wires in the plug were completely stripped with no shielding. I traced it back to the connector and the wire shields were either frayed or completely gone

ODI #11491555STRUCTURE

I was traveling on I20 going about 60mph. Car suddenly started fish tailing and thought I had a flat tire. Pulled over, no flats but back driver's side wheel was crooked. Had car towed to service center. Back frame is extremely rusted. My whole wheel could have come off which would have been extremely serious. My car only has 46000 miles and garage kept. No warning signs. I don't drive in wintry conditions. My car has only been inspected by the service mechanic and myself.

ODI #11479703STRUCTURE

Trunk failure. The trunk, when open, may suddenly fall very fast at any time. When you open the trunk it stays open but without warning may suddenly drop hitting you in the head. The trunk is actually quit heavy and can cause serious trauma to a person or damage to the vehicle as it slams down with force.

ODI #11479715ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS

Electrical system faulty. Front lowbeam headlight warning light on. Mechanic changed headlight bulb but it still did not work. After about a week the warning indicator went off and headlight worked. A few days went by and the indicator came on again. The low beam did not work. This time the left side marker lamp indicator came on and the bulb wasn't working. Before I could take it in for repair the side marker was working again. It goes off and on about every other month. Also, the indicator for one of the bulbs above my license plate goes on and off, but it says bulb malfunction. Now joining is the passenger side ABS light. Sometimes when I start the car the warning indicator on the instrument panel is illuminated but then goes off after I start the car several times, about a day or two. I never know which electrical component may not be working when I turn on the ignition switch. Sometimes no warning indicators will be displayed. The side marker lamp indicator hasn't been on in months, but 3 days ago it came on again and both low beam lamp indicators are on as well. So, right now I'm driving with my high beams on. I'm just waiting for them to work again, you never know. It's so frustrating and dangerous. I have read that this is a common issue. It needs to be looked in to.

ODI #11171654EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFIRE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, THE HEADLAMPS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE HEADLAMPS MELTED AND LEFT THE WIRES EXPOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

ODI #11162850EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE REAR MARKER LIGHTS ARE GOING ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS, NOW THEY ARE OFF FOR GOOD. THE WIRES TO THE LIGHTS LOOK FINE, THE BULBS LOOK FINE. I HAVE EVEN REPLACED THE BULBS BUT THEY STILL DONT WORK ON ONE SIDE. EARLIER MODELS ARE HAVING SAME ISSUE AS THIS MODEL. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE.

ODI #11099162ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE MARKER LIGHT BULB REPLACED AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY HARNESS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT COULD SHORT OUT AND START AN ENGINE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS (9393 S MEMORIAL DRIVE, TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74133) APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF AGO FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE LIGHT MARKER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

ODI #10889027POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LACK OF ENGINE POWER AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MANUALLY RESTARTED TO BE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE BODY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,038.

ODI #10840231FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL ODORS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,905.

ODI #10825952AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

SRS LIGHT WENT ON AND STAYED ON. DEALER SAYS DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED. REPAIR WOULD COST $700.00. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE AND THIS MODEL CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR REPAIR BY DEALER AT MERCEDES BENZ COST, AS THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THIS MODEL AND LIKELY A DEFECT.

ODI #10811255POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE POWER CAN BE LOST & VEHICLE CAN BE STUCK IN 1ST GEAR OR NO GEAR AT ALL CAUSING BLOCKAGE TO TRAFFIC AND POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. ONCE YOU TURN CAR OFF IT APPEARS THE CAR RESETS ITSELF AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPEN. WHEN REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP IT WAS STATED NO CODES POP UP SO I MUST BE HITTING THE SHIFT. NOT KNOWING ANY BETTER & NOT BEING A MECHANIC, WHO AM I TO CONTINUE TO QUESTION THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP? NO CODE NO ACTION. (1ST REPORTED WITH 8446 MILEAGE NEVER SHOWED A CODE). AT 63,000 MILES THE ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY COMES ON INDICATING A PROBLEM. 63038 FOUND CODE IN SYSTEM FOR SPEED SENSOR NOT READING CORRECTLY. TEST DROVE CAR & STUCK IN LIMP HOME. THE ODD THING IS THE CODE KICKED IN AT 61400 MILES & THE LIGHT CAME ON 2000 MILES LATER. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSED TO FIX MY CAR UNDER THE WARRANTY I PURCHASED DUE THE "DATA FREEZE' SHOWING PROBLEM EXISTED PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THAT WARRANTY BUT I WAS UNAWARE OF THAT SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON AT 61400. AT ANY RATE IT APPEARS TO BE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THESE VALUE BODIES WITH LOW MILEAGE. PEOPLE BUY MERCEDES THINKING IT WILL BE A WHILE BEFORE THE START HAVING THESE PROBLEMS YET COMPLAINTS ON THIS VALUE BODY IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. ... FOUND BELOW ON INTERNT. I PAID $1800 FOR THIS REPAIR. OCT 29, 2012 - PLAINTIFFS BROUGHT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST MERCEDES BENZ ON BEHALF ... AN ENTIRE VALVE BODY REPLACED THAT ONLY THE MERCEDES DEALER CAN REPAIR. .... 61,000 MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY, AND JUST NOW THEY SAID, THEY WILL NOT COVER AND NOW THE MB 722.9 VALVE BODY - COBRA TRANSMISSION ... COBRATRANSMISSION.BLOGSPOT.COM/.../AND-NOW-MB-7229-VALVE-BODY.HTML O DEC 2, 2010 - THIS BLOG COVERS AUTOMATIC AND STANDARD TRANSMISSION PARTS AS WELL AS TRANSFER CASE PARTS. VALVE ... THE VALVE BODY IS ONE OF THE LARGER ONES WE HAVE SEEN AROUND HERE. BIGGER .

ODI #10810418POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

3 ISSUES--CAMSHAFT SELENOID; DEFECTIVE GEAR IN THE BALANCE SHAFTS OF THE ENGINE; TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY DEFECT. ALL THREE OF THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED BY MERCEDES INTERNAL DOCUMENTS AND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT ON GOING FOR THE DEFECTIVE GEAR IN THE BALANCE SHAFTS OF THE ENGINE RIGHT NOW. THESE ARE CRITICAL ISSUES AS THE CAR CAN LOSE POWER. WITH REGARD TO THE BALANCE SHAFT ISSUES, METAL FROM THE SHAFT DETERIORATES AND THAT INFILTRATES THE OTHER ENGINE PARTS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO PREMATURELY FAIL. ALMOST ALL OF THE REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE ARE FOR SLK350'S WITH LESS THAN 80,000 MILES.

ODI #10807290VISIBILITY/WIPER

ON OCTOBER 19TH 2015 , PURCHASED THIS CAR FORM MERCEDES BENZ OF WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA . THE CAR WAS DELIVERED TO ME ON 27TH OCTOBER 2015 BY THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT THE CAR IS CHECKED ACCORDING TO THE SAFETY STANDARDS AND IS GOOD TO DRIVE. BUT AS SOON AS I REACHED HOME WITH THE CAR THERE WAS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT . MY HOUSE IS 140MILES FROM THE DEALER SHIP . I CALLED THEM THE VERY NEXT DAY , THEY CALLED ME IN THE NEXT WEEK , KEPT THE CAR FOR 4 DAYS . AGAIN WHEN I TOOK THE CAR FROM THEM THEY SAY EVERYTHING WORKS FINE . A WEEK AFTER THAT AGAIN I HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT . I TRY CALLING THEM THEY JUST GIVE ME A RUNAROUND , EVEN THE FRONT WIND SCREEN OF THE CAR IS CHIPPED MAJORLY . I STILL CAN'T FIGURE HOW DID MY CAR PASS THE CALIFORNIA INSPECTION FOR USED CAR . I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME . THIS IS MY FIRST CAR . THANK YOU WOULD APPRECIATE . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ODI #10794952VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING ON A 50 MPH EXPRESSWAY, MY CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO A LOW GEAR, REV'ING VERY HIGH. I HAD TO DECELERATE QUICKLY AND I WAS UNABLE TO SPEED UP TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE DEALER SAID A CONDUCTOR PLATE HAD TO BE REPLACED. BUT THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.

ODI #10780641POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK350. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE JUMPED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM THE FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

ODI #10762686ENGINE

DRIVING ON FREEWAY... ALL OF SUDDEN CAR GOES IN LOW GEAR NO WARNING HAS DONE THIS ABOUT 4 TIMES. TWICE ALMOST REAR ENDED. TOOK TO SHOP WAS TOLD IT WAS VALVE BODY/ CONDUCTOR PLATE ISSUE THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE FIXED AT DEALER DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART MB USED ON THIS TRANSMISSION. CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. VALVE BODY / CONDUCTOR PLATE REPLACEMENT

ODI #10692679ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

MY CAR IS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK280. THE SRS LIGHT INDICATOR TURNED ON AND STAYED ON.. THE GARAGE SAID THE COST OF REPAIR OF THE SRS SYSTEM WOULD BE OVER $400.00. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM / AIRBAG WILL WORK IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT, IT MAY BE A VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITION IF THE MERCEDES IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. MANY OTHER SLK280 OWNERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR

ODI #10641061STRUCTURE1 INJURY

WENT TO CHANGE A FLAT AND THE TRUNK CAME DOWN ON MY HEAD AND HAD TO GET SEVERAL STITCHES. IT SEEMS LIKE THE TRUNK ON THE SLK55 AMG WILL STAY UP FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN COLLAPSE RIGHT WHEN YOU LEAN INTO THE TRUNK TO GET THE SPARE MAKING THINGS GO FROM BAD TO WORSE A FLAT AND IN NEED OF MEDICAL ATTENTION. *TR

ODI #10641073EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

HAD THE CAR IN PERSONAL GARAGE WENT TO JACK VEHICLE UP WITH THE MERCEDES BENZ JACK AND THE PLASTIC OR RUBBER CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE OF THE JACK CAME OFF CAUSING UNDER VEHICLE DAMAGE AND ENDANGERING MY PERSONAL SAFETY. *TR

ODI #10640627ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

BURNING SMELL WHEN AC TURNED ON. *TR

ODI #10640095ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

ODI #10610442AIR BAGS

WAS TOLD BY THE COMPUTER "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP." VISITED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY IT WOULD COST A LITTLE OVER $900 TO REPAIR FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

ODI #10557507AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. *TR

ODI #10535206POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPM READING INCREASED AS THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER DISENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE CONTACT DROVE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL PLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL PLATE WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,100.

ODI #10513955POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP HOME MODE" TWICE WHILE I WAS DRIVING DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGH WAY: GEARSHIFTS NO LONGER POSSIBLE AND THE CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR. IT WAS PRODUCING VERY LOUD NOISE AND SCARY. A COLLISION COULD HAVE HAPPENED. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND TALKING TO MY MECHANIC, MERCEDES-BENZ'S 722.9 TRANSMISSION IS A KNOWN AND WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND WHAT MY MECHANIC TOLD ME, MOST MERCEDES BETWEEN 2006 AND 2010 HAD THIS PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS. *TR

ODI #10473614POWER TRAIN

SEVERE JERK AS VEHICLE DECELERATED AROUND 10-12 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND TEST DROVE WITH TECHNICIAN WHO VERIFIED THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES FOUND. I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WAS A SNAP RING FAILURE WITHIN THE GEAR BOX. INVOICE INDICATES "RETAINING CLIP FAILURE INSIDE TRANSMISSION, VERIFIED SEVERE 3-2 DOWN SHIFT, SHORT TEST NO CODES.CHECK OF ADAPTATION DATA FOUND 3-2 DOWN SHIFT AT NEGATIVE LIMIT. REMOVED TRANSMISSION AND INSPECTED, FOUND B1 RETAINING CLIP FAILURE. REPLACE B1 AND B3 TENSIONING SPRINGS AND RETAINING CLIPS". MB CORPORATE WAS NOTIFIED WITH NO ASSISTANCE. I WAS APPALLED AT THE STATEMENTS MADE BY CUSTOMER COMPLAINT MANAGER WHO STATED "THE CAR HASN'T BEEN IN FOR SERVICE SINCE 2009", I RESPONDED BY SAYING THE VEHICLE WASN'T DUE FOR SERVICE UNTIL 26K MILES, MAINTENANCE IS DETERMINED BY MILEAGE, NOT YEARS, IF I'M CORRECT. SHE ALSO INDICATED THAT "RECALLS WERE ALWAYS VIN SPECIFIC" AND MY CAR WASN'T ONE OF THEM. I BELIEVE THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT'S BEING CONCEALED BECAUSE MOST OF THE FAILURES ARE OCCURRING AT LOW MILES WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO AGE BUT HADN'T TURNED 26K MILES YET. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS CLASSIFIED AS A FAILURE WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INVESTIGATION INTO HOW MANY REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE 7G TRANSMISSION. THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR

ODI #10452546POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP INTERMITTENTLY & WON'T UP SHIFT. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY GO INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND MERCEDES-BENZ SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. A INDEPENDENT MERCEDES-BENZ REPAIR SHOP SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT ALL THE 7 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS ARE DOING. MERCEDES-BENZ WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY SAY THEY WON'T SELL THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PARTS TO INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS. THEY FORCE THE CUSTOMER TO GO TO THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER AND PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THIS IS WRONG! *JS

ODI #10427531POWER TRAIN

WHILE PERFORMING U-TURN IN LIGHT TRAFFIC, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THEN WOULD ALSO NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE, LEAVING VEHICLE IMMOBILIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *TT

ODI #10386912STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

THE TRUNK WILL NOT STAY UP OR OPEN WHEN YOU RAISE IT. IT MAY HOLD FOR A SECOND THEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT THAT'S WHEN IT WILL FALL AND HIT YOU ON THE HEAD AND IT IS VERY HEAVY FOR A SMALL CAR. *TR

ODI #10351837AIR BAGS

I OWN A 2006 MERCEDES SLK280 AND MY SRS LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT A MONTH AGO. SINCE MY ORIGINAL WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JUNE, I HAD PURCHASED A NEW ONE FOR CLOSE TO $2,500 FOR A NEW 4YR/40,000 MILES. I LOOKED UP ON GOOGLE TO SEE IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND FOUND A NUMBER OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I AM SURE THERE ARE A LOT MORE AS I DID NOT EVEN POST ONE. SEEING THAT THE SRS IS THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND A SAFETY ISSUE, I FIGURED THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I WAS SURPRISED THAT FOR SUCH A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, MERCEDES DID NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE TOTAL CAME TO $446.37. I AM MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE AND I WONDER HOW MANY OF THESE GO UNREPORTED. *TR

ODI #10328705AIR BAGS

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 30 APR 10 - 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK350; THE VEHICLE HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT AND RECENTLY HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT OUT. HAD SERVICE DONE UNDER WARRANTY AND ALSO HAD BRAKES AND FRONT ROTORS REPLACED. 1 MAY 10 THE SRS RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION VISIT WORKSHOP MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. 3 MAY 10, TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER FOR SERVICE AND A SHORT TEST WAS PERFORMED RESULTING IN CODE 40 WM07. AIRBAG LINE TO STEERING COLUMN MODULE, REPLACE ELECTRIC LINE, CABLE CONNECTION, SCREW W/HEXA. VEHICLE HAD NO SRS RELATED REPAIRS, TECH TO CHECK FOR CODES IN SRS SYSTEM AND ADVISE; FOUND CODE 9123. REPAIR AIRBAG SA PER BULLETIN #P-B-91.60/78D. FOUND NO SRS RELATED REPAIRS IN HISTORY, TECH WILL INSPECT AND ADVISE. FOUND CODE 9123 BULLETIN #P-B-91.87D OUTLINES REPAIR RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS CONDITION. FOUND UNRELATED TO RECENT SERVICE OF BRAKES/ROTORS. VIN# [XXX] DLR:[XXX]ENG: 3.5_LITER AXLE: 171...THANK YOU! *TR

ODI #10273569POWER TRAIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK280. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $2,562. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.

ODI #10253355VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH1 INJURY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SLK250. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPROACH A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN RPM'S AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES FROM THE CRASH AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. HE HAS ACCESS TO OBTAINING A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 14,000. UPDATED 3/3/09 *CN UPDATED 03/04/09. *JB

ODI #10202481STRUCTURE

2006 SLK 280 WIND NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE AND TOP LEAKING, FIRST EVENT JULY 06 THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR. CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR OF TOP LEAKING FOUR TIMES, DEALER UNABLE TO REPAIR. LAST TIME CAR WAS IN MERCEDES SINCE THEIR TECH REP IN TO REPAIR LEAK, TOP STILL LEAKS. *JB

Annual complaints and reliability score for MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class — recall years marked in red
04705010020072010201320162019202220252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 34 total NHTSA complaints filed over 14 years, with the worst year being 2015 (7 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 96/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 34 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2008, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

LIKELY EXPIREDSPECIAL COVERAGE
Mercedes M272/M273 Balance Shaft Gear Extended Coverage
Engine – Balance Shaft / Idler Gear (M272 V6 / M273 V8)
COVERAGE:Extended to 10 years / 100,000 miles under MBUSA goodwill program

M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines suffer from a balance shaft eccentric gear made of insufficient material that disintegrates over time, causing a timing-chain type noise, rough running, and ultimately catastrophic engine damage. MBUSA offered goodwill repairs and extended coverage on confirmed affected VINs.

HOW TO CLAIM: Contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance at 1-800-367-6372 or your MBUSA dealer. The gear can be inspected via oil drain plug magnetic debris analysis. Extended coverage and goodwill reimbursement depends on mileage and service history — escalate to MBUSA corporate if denied.

Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$46,614
~$777/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STRUCTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
20-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINWDBWK54F16F081112
Model Year2006
MakeMERCEDES-BENZ
ModelSLK-Class
TrimSLK280
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleConvertible/Cabriolet
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)3.0

Manufacturer

ManufacturerMERCEDES-BENZ CARS
Assembly CityBREMEN
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WDB
Check Digit (Char 9)1
Model Year Code (Char 10)6
Plant Code (Char 11)F
Sequence (Chars 12–17)081112

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count34
W
1
D
2
B
3
W
4
K
5
5
6
4
7
F
8
1
9
6
10
F
11
0
12
8
13
1
14
1
15
1
16
2
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
D
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
B
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
WK54F
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
1
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
6
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
F
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
081112
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"6" → 2006
Unambiguous model year
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/6/2026, 8:36:51 AM.