2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350 problems

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Brakes · 171,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually came to a rolling stop on the side of the road. In addition, the parking brake was activated; however, but failed to activate as intended. The contact stated that the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the brake fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost involved in two crashes because of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced a year prior for an extended warranty repair to prevent suspension corrosion. The contact stated that the dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle due to evidence of brake line corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2024 · Brakes, Suspension · FL · crash · 3 injuries

The brake lines are rusted from the rear sub Frame that was rusted And caused an accident. They told me the sub frame was the only item covered but that they could only bolt it and not weld if and then the exhaust and brake lines (rusted too bad to describe) weren’t covered and since I couldn’t afford it they only repaired the subframe and left the rest hanging ! My brakes failed on the way home. No one was injured but I can’t believe they let me go home with that condition!

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Transmission · PA

the conductor plate along with its speed sensor is faulty. Luckily I just exit the highway, the transmission just stopped working, can't drive forward or reverse and when I apply gas on either D or R, just the RPM speed up as if the car is in neutral. I was stranded on the middle of the road. this happened a few time. after turning off the car and turn it back on usually reset it for a little bit. the first time, I have to replace the transmission.

Filed Oct 7, 2023 · Transmission · OH

transmission lines popping off popped off at 60 miles per hour tensed me up it stared smoking pushed the safety hazzard lights on and was able to limp it off the highway its happened 3 times after i repaired them afraid to even drive it now.no no no

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Visibility · FL · 1 injury

As i was driving (on a bridge) the convertible top/roof gushed and dumped an incredible amount of hydraulic fluid/oil right in my face unexpectedly! This came out of the blue. I had just raised it since it began to rain. The combination of raining weather and being on a one lane bridge and then having that spew into my face rendered me unable to see and had Me swerving almost off the bridge as the other lane had vehicles driving. I almost wrecked and was left with highly painful eyes. In truth it could have lead to death without question had I not had a towel in my passenger seat to wipe my face. I’m now terrified to drive it but have to. Please help, especially if any others are having the same issue, which seems to be the case. I could have had an accident or worse had an accident with others and off of the bridge!

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Brakes, Suspension · FL

My vehicle has excessive rust issues that I’m being told by the dealership will compromise my safety. There is currently an extension of warranty for only the subframe in rear, but the rust is extended beyond that and is applied to the components needed to be removed in order to replace the subframe. Such as the exhaust pipe and brake lines as well. All are corroded to a high degree up to and including complete brittle material Disintegration. Exhaust and rear brake line cost make it impossible for me to have the vehicle brought back to safely drivable conditions. I have to get to work daily or my family will not eat or have a roof but at a cost of more than what the car is even worth I have no choice but to choose and compromise my safety and those around me or food and shelter for my family. Please help.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Engine · PA

improper heat treatment of the balance shaft spocket causing the balance shaft to worn out resulting in advance timing of the CAM. Mercedes acknowledges it's an known issue but don't cover cost of fixing it. Once ecu detected timing is off, it will stop the transmission from accelerating without any warning. Happened to me on a highway, good thing the car still have some momentum and was able to pull to the shoulder while others cars are coming from behind.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Suspension · FL

The rear subframe is corroded to the point of about to fall off and subsequently anything that is attached. Mercedes has extended a warranty on the subframe which is excellent, but only the subFrame? What about the touching bits like the bolts and screws among other items that are connected to it. So now because I cannot afford the $5,000.00 needed for the other rusted pieces that are brittle and likely to fall off when the subframe is replaced, then they won’t do it. So I must jeapordize my safety as I have to get to school and work.

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · Body, Suspension · NC

A few days after a scheduled service visit at a local Mercedes-Benz (MB) dealer I noticed a creaking sound coming from the rear of my 2005 SLK350 that continued to get louder as time went by. I scheduled another appointment for post-inspection and I received the unfortunate news that corrosion of the subframe had resulted in a critical fracture rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive and that I was actually lucky to have not been involved in an accident from the mechanical failure. It is clear from the undercarriage photos that corrosion was localized to subframe junctions where other areas/parts in the vicinity did not experience debilitating fracture damage. I was surprised that a recently-serviced vehicle was now deemed unsafe to drive and required an entire rear subframe replacement. After some further investigation online (via forums, etc.) this appears to be a prominent issue with the R171 generation of rear subframes where corrosion protection was not applied to the steel subframe interior during manufacturing, which results in corrosion from the inside out, and thus by the time the problem is visually evident it is much too late from a life safety standpoint.

Filed Jun 10, 2020 · Fuel system · 76,000 miles · PA

The fuel gauge is working erratically. After filling up with fuel, gauge shows 3/4 full. Next morning, shows full. After driving 25 miles into work, fuel gauge show 1/4 full. End of the day, fuel gauge shows 1/2 full or empty. The reading can be almost anywhere and is unreliable. I have had to resort to tracking mileage and filling up before running out of fuel. The car has run out of fuel on a few occasions causing the car to lose power and speed on a major highway which is very unsafe.