While driving on the highway the roof polycarbonate top started to buffet at speed prompting a rapid deceleration of the car for fear of the roof flying off. The car has been evaluated at the Mercedes dealer which stated that the roof was delaminating. I am now unable to drive to convertible with the top up for fear of a mechanical failure placing other motorists at risk of flying debris.
The worst 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system3
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system3
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
- Wheels1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
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. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 63
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the...
- After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the...
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
What 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that as she pulled over and parked the vehicle, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated for the driver's side rear tire. When the contact exited the vehicle, she saw that the rim hub cap had detached from the driver's side rear wheel. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who removed the tire and sent it to a local dealer. The mechanic at the local dealer made the contact aware of a crack on the side wall. Additionally, the contact stated that the tire was taken to the original place of purchase, and the claims team determined the failure was caused by damage from the rim and advised the contact to call the vehicle manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the spare tire was installed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger’s side headrest erroneously deployed. During the failure no crash had occurred, and no passenger was seated in the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure but not assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Glove box facing has detached from the lower side. It hangs further out than the glove box and could be a danger to the passenger in the event of an accident or even a hard stop. It started coming apart 3 years ago. From my research on the internet it is a known problem with this model car. It came apart over time from heat and sub-standard glue.
Electric steering wheel locks, when you go back to the car all the electrical system is not working the car is dead as dead, if you happen to be in a bad neighborhood your life is in danger, the car must be towed to the mercedes dealer, practically what happen to so many car owner I know is that eis / esl the eis module where you insert key to start and the esl steering lock assembly locate at the bottom of the column that fails. The cost of repair ($1700.) as nothing to do with the risk you take to be stranded anywhere with no prior diagnostic flag. Mercedes steering locks is not an inconvenience , but a safety concerns or hardship that this issue presents. This is happen for the model 08+ as my self an electrical engineer and inspect this esl unit the decline of workmanship in the assembly by pressuring two parts to establish an electric contact to the motor that release on/off the steering column is asinine & stupid, and should be recalled and corrected.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz slk350. The contact stated that the vehicle had a bad odor. The vehicle was treated (cleaned, vaporized, filters were changed, interior was ionized) by the dealer; however, the odor recurred continuously. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz slk350. The contact stated that the occupant classification system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 5,800.
Moved from san francisco to palm springs, upon being in the desert with increased temperatures, my car started emitting strong fumes that smell like burning crayons, thought it was coming from exhaust because it was burning my eyes and causing headaches. Took into dealer at palm springs mercedes, and they informed me that they have had this problem before due to the wax that is in the body of car to protect from corrosion. They stated that when the wax heats up it melts and causes this odor. They removed the wax from the interior of doors, but this did no resolve the issue. They have documented that the odor is still there, but refuse to work on the car anymore. I want them to buy out the lease but they are refusing. The mercedes dealer told me to get a lawyer. He informed me that this has happenend several times before, but mbusa is refusing to take responsibility for it. I can't drive the car without getting headaches and burning eyes. What can I do about this. Please help. I did not pay for a car that you can't drive without these problems. I am also concered about the chemicals that are burning and if these fumes are toxic or damaging to the health. I cant find the name of the wax to look up the msds.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz slk 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact heard a loud pop from the rear of the vehicle. The rear of the vehicle swerved to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that both control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.
Compare the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
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20122014
Questions about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, close to a typical SLK350 model year.
What is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 year score?
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 have?
No recalls on record.
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