Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

Slk-Class (2006)

2006 · Sports Car · 2 engines
33 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.2 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar sports cars

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 13 powertrain complaints. A typical sports car fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 21.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall13 complaints against about 21 for similar vehicles
8.2
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl
15 complaints 15.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
6
electrical
4
exterior
3
body
2
interior
2

Same engine used in

+89 more
LINCOLN Aviator (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)BMW X3 (2011-2017)MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)AUDI A6 (2019-2025)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)BMW X6 (2015-2019)FORD Focus (2000-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2017-2019)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)LINCOLN Town Car (2000-2011)BMW X5 (2014-2018)BMW X7 (2019-2025)AUDI A8 (2019-2025)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)FORD Five Hundred (2005-2007)AUDI A6 (2005-2011)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)AUDI A7 (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2000-2004)FORD Windstar (2000-2003)BMW X6 (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2006-2011)BMW X5 (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)BMW X4 (2015-2018)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)FORD Flex (2009-2019)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)AUDI A7 (2012-2018)SUBARU Legacy (2000-2004)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class (2013-2016)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)LINCOLN LS (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)BMW 3 Series (2006-2011)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)LINCOLN Aviator (2003-2005)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)FORD Freestyle (2005-2007)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)BMW 7 Series (2023-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)AUDI A8 (2011-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2020-2025)FORD Ranger (2000-2011)AUDI Q8 (2019-2025)BMW 7 Series (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)BMW 8 Series (2019-2025)FORD Super Duty (2000-2007)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)BMW 6 Series (2012-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2012-2019)PORSCHE Cayenne (2019-2025)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)AUDI Q7 (2007-2015)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl / 268 hp
11 complaints 11.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
6
engine
2
other
2
body
1
exterior
1

Same engine used in

+74 more
MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2012-2015)CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class (2007-2012)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2000-2005)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2006-2011)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2016-2019)DODGE Challenger (2008-2023)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Transmission: 10 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 7 owner complaints
Electrical System: 5 owner complaints
Body/Trim: 5 owner complaints

Alternatives in Sports Car

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class complaints?

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the safety systems and the electrical system.

Is the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class have?

NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on file for the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006-2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the safety systems and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the Slk-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 33 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver