2006 Mercedes Benz SLK55

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Structure2
2. Equipment adaptive/mobility1
3. Latches/locks/linkages1
4. Power train1

Latest complaints

• Oct 3, 2014PA51,000 mi
  Equipment 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

• Oct 3, 2014PA40,000 mi1 injury
  Structure › Body › Trunk lid

  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

• Sep 27, 2011FL28,060 mi
  Power 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

• Mar 8, 2011PA40,000 mi
  Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Trunk lid

  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

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008323Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. This can lead to the formation of condensation on the lens of the headlamp. The headlamps comply with all applicable US standards and regulations. Remedy Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or condensation as per LI82.10-P-078301. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. Note: Order service covers and desiccant packs based on the validity description. 1. Remove headlamps. 2. Remove all grommets from outlet openings. 3. Seal vent openings with sealing profile. Important: All openings must be sealed carefully for the pressure compensation diaphragm to work properly! 4. Remove existing service cover. 5. Place desiccant packs into the new service covers and bolt down (Picture_01). 6. Glue the new diaphragm onto the intended surface at the service cover (Picture_02). Note: The bonding surface must be clean and dry. 7. Attach service cover with desiccant pack at headlamp. 8. Install headlamp. To ensure that the desiccant pack (absorption) acts effectively, the headlamp has to be air-sealed. Observe or check the following points for this: 1. Seals at the central connector must all be present and correctly fitted (Picture_03). 2. The new transparent diaphragm must be correctly bonded (Picture_04). 3. Check headlamp housing for any external damage.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10252770As previously reported, to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a Settlement regarding claims relating to allegations that the 590 Mars Red paint available as an original, exterior color option for certain models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles may experience peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or clear coat. This Mars Red paint is sometimes referred to as Fire Opal. The purpose of this update is to alert you that: 1. The Settlement has received final approval. The Settlement will go into effect on March 11, 2024. As of that date, customers are eligible to receive extended warranty coverage under the Settlement. 2. Under the Settlement, an eligible customer might receive extended warranty coverage as of the date the vehicle is presented to your dealership OR certain customers might have validated Qualified Future Repair claims, making them eligible for a different level of coverage. To determine if a customer: (a) is eligible for extended warranty coverage; and (b) what level of warranty coverage is available to them, please refer to the Service Packages section in VMI/Netstar. 3. Damage code 21800 (damage type 00) must be used for warranty claims covered pursuant to the Settlement. Please note that you should only claim for the percentage of warranty repair cost reflected in VMI/Netstar (see below, e.g., for Period Two, claim only 50% of warranty repair cost). 4. Before the dealership agrees to perform any work: The customer should be given a Repair Order containing: (1) an estimate for the repair, (2) the portion covered under the extended warranty; and (3) the customers contribution amount for the repair, if applicable. The customer must agree to pay their contribution amount for the repair and sign the Repair Order before the repair is performed.
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10235978Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags.
• 10233796Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. This warranty extension applies to the replacement of the rear subframe under the standard warranty terms and conditions in the even the subframe experiences corrosion with perforation (holes). The extended warranty is applicable to the following vehicles: Model Year Model (platform) WIS reference 2005 - 2011 SLK-Class (R171) AR35.10-P-0010V 2012 - 2017 SLK-Class (R172) AR35.10-P-0010V 2012 - 2016 CLS-Class (C218) AR35.10-P-0010EW 2013 - 2016 SL-Class (R231) AR35.10-P-0010RK 2008 - 2015 C-Class Sedan/Coupe (W/C204) AR35.10-P-0010CW 2010 - 2015 GLK-Class (X204) AR35.10-P-0010CW 2010 - 2016 E-Class Sedan/Wagon (W/S212) AR35.10-P-0010EW 2010 - 2017 E-Class Coupe/Cabrio (C/A207) AR35.10-P-0010CW All models require cavity preservation on the rear axle carrier after the replacement according to AR35.10-P-0010-03A.
• 10233780Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. This warranty extension applies to the replacement of the rear subframe under the standard warranty terms and conditions in the event the subframe experiences corrosion with perforation (holes). The extended warranty is applicable to the following vehicles: Model Year Model (platform) WIS reference 2005 - 2011 SLK-Class (R171) AR35.10-P-0010V 2012 - 2017 SLK-Class (R172) AR35.10-P-0010V 2012 - 2016 CLS-Class (C218) AR35.10-P-0010EW 2013 - 2016 SL-Class (R231) AR35.10-P-0010RK 2008 - 2015 C-Class Sedan/Coupe (W/C204) AR35.10-P-0010CW 2010 - 2015 GLK-Class (X204) AR35.10-P-0010CW 2010 - 2016 E-Class Sedan/Wagon (W/S212) AR35.10-P-0010EW 2010 - 2017 E-Class Coupe/Cabrio (C/A207) AR35.10-P-0010CW All models require cavity preservation on the rear axle carrier after the replacement according to AR35.10-P-0010-03A.
• 10232321Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. This warranty extension applies to the replacement of the rear subframe under the standard warranty terms and conditions in the event the subframe experiences corrosion with perforation (holes). The extended warranty is applicable to the following vehicles: Model Year Model (platform) Model Year Model (platform) 2005 - 2011 SLK-Class (R171) 2008 - 2015 C-Class Sedan/Coupe (W/C204) 2012 - 2017 SLK-Class (R172) 2010 - 2015 GLK-Class (X204) 2012 - 2016 CLS-Class (C218) 2010 - 2016 E-Class Sedan/Wagon (W/S212) 2013 - 2016 SL-Class (R231) 2010 - 2017 E-Class Coupe/Cabrio (C/A207) Only the following damage code can be claimed for the replacement of the rear subframe due to corrosion with perforation: Damage Code: 35441 47 Always check VMI to determine if a vehicle is covered under this 20 years/unlimited miles extended warranty. Please
• 10167564Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement.
• 10167563The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
• 10167557Water entry through front section of retractable hardtop with the following localization: - Partial water entry in the area of the side seals to the A-pillar (for area see Fig. 1) when accelerating/braking the vehicle.
• 10167545During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
• 10167525Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control unit (A40/3) in the stowage compartment of the center console.
• 10167002Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
• 10166994Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 10166101The lumbar support cannot be set from stage 0 to stage 5. Stage 5 can only be set after setting stage 10 first
• 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
• 10158301Replace Driver-Side and (if applicable) Front Passenger Air Bag
• 10135734AMG Performance steering wheel heavily worn/soiled
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
• 10048279Mercedes: camshaft adjustment solenoid may leak oil due to settling properties of seal and the engine wiring harness will be retrofitted with four adapter harnesses as a precautionary measure. Models 2005-2011 164, 171, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 216. 219, 221, 230, 251, 463. Updated 12/18/12. Updated 3/18/2013
• 10037653Mercedes-benz: there are electrical production quality issues that cause the air bag warning light to illuminate.
• 10037408Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
• 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
• 10032568Mercedes benz service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Software calibration number (scn) coding; engine control module. The vehicles fuel tank leak diagnosis system may have been inadvertently deactivated during a visit to the workshop. This may cause the affected vehicles to fail to meet the statutory requirements for inspection and or maintenance (emissions inspection).
• 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
• 10030671Mercedes: the instrument cluster displaying tire pressure monitor inoperative and there IS a corresponding stored fault code of 5581 (front or rear sensor localization failed), this IS because the difference in the signal strength between the front and rear axle may not be enough for the wheel assignments to be accurately made. No model years listed.
• 10028026Mercedes: replace v belt upper guide pulley. The v belt upper guide pulley optimized for noise reduction IS available. The dealer will replace upper guide pulley at the next workshop visit.
• 10025842Mercedes benz: model 171.454, 456 (2005-2008) SLK class; 204.054, 056, 081 (2008) c class; 211.022, 056, 072, 087, 090 (2006-2008) e class. Vehicles produced between 2/21/08 and 4/3/08 with differential serial number 1824214 to 1865328. Clunking noise during load change at rear axle differential.
• 10024117All model 171, 203 and 209 vehicles equipped with sales code 477 - tire loss warning system (indirect esp based) with run flat tires. [Tire pressure monitoring inactive] displayed instrument cluster. Model year 2005-2007.
• 10022893Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. Mercedes-benz model C230, C280, C350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, E350, E550, cls550, S600, and sl550. Equipped with M272 engine or M273 engine. Updated 8/28/08.
• 10021246Install software for navigation system. Updated 3/5/09.
• 10016670Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or instrument cluster. Updated 2/23/09. Updated 9/18/09. Model years unknown.

Every Mercedes Benz SLK55 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.