Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Registered new in Europe in 2012
15,835 new Mercedes-Benz SLK cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were the United Kingdom (6,638), Germany (5,866), France (963).
- Average mass
- 1,502 kg
- Average power
- 149 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 78% · Diesel 22%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK cars on Dutch roads are the 1.8 petrol (135 kW, 181 hp), 1.8 petrol (150 kW, 201 hp) and 3.5 petrol (225 kW, 302 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 petrol | 135 kW 181 hp | 252 |
| 1.8 petrol | 150 kW 201 hp | 44 |
| 3.5 petrol | 225 kW 302 hp | 33 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
355 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 74% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €60,377.
60.6%had an APK defect recorded since June 2022
94.4%logical odometer history
0.3%with a recall still open
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde212
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld84
- Band onvoldoende profiel72
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm61
- Band beschadigd24
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen19
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht16
- Remleiding door corrosie aangetast13
Colours
Grey 45%Black 39%White 9%Blue 3%Red 3%
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
5,142 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 418 more were declared off the road (SORN).
5,142licensed, end of 2025
92%of those still registered are on the road
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 5,581 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 77% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
77%passed first time
66%all cars from 2012
59,700 miaverage mileage at the test (all cars 87,300 mi)
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.5% | 12.2% |
| Tyres | 7.8% | 7.0% |
| Brakes | 4.7% | 7.7% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.6% | 14.3% |
| Visibility | 1.6% | 5.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.7% | 3.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
74 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 111,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
111 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 77% arrived as used imports, 23% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 8.9–10.7 L/100 km (about 22–26 mpg US), CO₂ 205–246 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 250 · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 10.3 | 7.2 | 8.9 |
| SLK 250 · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 10.4 | 7.3 | 9.0 |
| SLK 55 · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 12.3 | 8.7 | 10.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009122 | Complaint 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 l |
| 11008323 | Complaint 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: O |
| 11008091 | Complaint 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 protrudin |
| 11007974 | Complaint 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 cor |
| 11007753 | Complaint 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 eng |
| 11005294 | Complaint 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 ve |
| 10252770 | As 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 app |
| 10248162 | Crease 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! |
| 10241790 | The Mercedes me connect services cannot be activated. The remote status data does not update. Error in N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES). In the HERMES control unit log, under the "URL" tab, the value DEFAULT is stored for "atpServerUrl" and/or "rcsServerUrl". Please carry out a re-commissioning of the control unit N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES), which includes both a software update as well as coding. The fault will be rectified by the newly included coding. As a result of the software update to the current software of the control unit N |
| 10235978 | Recall Campaign announcement for Takata driver airbags. |
| 10233780 | Mercedes-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 |
| 10232321 | Mercedes-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-Cl |
| 10176670 | 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 alleged mold and mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles diagnosed as having mold or mildew type odors originating from the HVAC system?although that coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other eve |
| 10167564 | Customer experiences low battery conditions, resulting in jump starts, and eventually requiring battery replacement. |
| 10167563 | The 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). |
| 10167557 | Water 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. |
| 10167525 | Apple 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. |
| 10167498 | ESP warning message in instrument cluster. One of the fault codes C219700 or 630900 is logged in the ESP control unit (N30/4). |
| 10167019 | Blind Spot Assist inoperative. |
| 10167013 | The engine intermittently has reduced output and the engine diagnosis warning lamp is/was active. One or more of the faults relating to the intake manifold pressure sensor listed under 'Control unit / Fault code' may be stored in the engine control unit. |
| 10167002 | Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column |
| 10166975 | This 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. |
| 10055333 | XENTRY (MERCEDES): THE FUSE AND RELAY BOXES (SRB) IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR REAR COMPARTMENT HAS A MALFUNCTION AND DISRUPTIONS TO COMMUNICATION PATHS CAUSING A NO START IN VEHICLE. MODEL 2012-2013 204, 207, 212, 218, 231, 246, 176, 117, 172. *PE |
| 10053794 | MERCEDES: THE SOFTWARE FOR ENGINE CONTROL MODULE FAILS TO CORRESPOND TO CURRENT PRODUCTION CONFIGURATION AND WILL NEED TO BE UPDATED. MODEL 2012 172, 204. *PE |
| 10041271 | MERCEDES BENZ: 2012 172. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODEL DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS. *RM |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
EA21002 · Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleopened 17 Sept 2021
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation