VehicleVerdict

2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Slk years?

Slk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted30 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 9 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 23 complaints2002: 30 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 8 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 4 complaints2012: 0 complaints
Slk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Slk years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission267%
Speed Control133%

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V303000Electrical SystemJuly 7, 2008 · 404 units

Defect

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 8, 2012

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 1, 2013

2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk — common questions

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Slk years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Slk years to avoid are 2002, 2012. The cleanest record among Slk years belongs to 2008.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.