Model year guide

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 72 on record.

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints12
Typical price$31,238

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

What's a 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class worth?

Low
$27,250
Typical price
$31,238
High
$35,200

From 71 comparable 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class listings.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

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 deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 121

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 121.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while brakin…

Bulletin LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Brakes · Sep 2026

Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact…

Bulletin LI46.35-P-067339 · Steering · Aug 2026

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis workin…

Bulletin LI82.62-P-078631 · Structure · Aug 2026

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experi…

Bulletin LI35.30-P-058566 · Power Train · Jul 2026

Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/…

Bulletin LI82.85-P-080507 · Electrical System · May 2026

Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be clar…

Bulletin LI82.85-P-080559 · Electrical System · May 2026

Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled bac…

Bulletin LI82.30-P-059239 · Visibility/wiper · May 2026

Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized rep…

Bulletin LI35.10-P-078931 · Suspension · May 2026

Complaint Headlamp, 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is…

Bulletin LI82.10-P-078301 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2026

Complaint Headlamp, 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is…

Bulletin LI82.10-P-078301 · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SLK-CLASS RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class trims & engines on record

Trims
SLK350 · SLK250 · SLK55 AMG
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 1.8L 4-cyl · 5.5L 8-cyl

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class vehicles on record

Other Mercedes-benz SLK-Class model years

2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class?

Across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, structure, wheels.

How much is a 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class worth?

Comparable 2012 Mercedes-benz SLK-Class listings run roughly $27,250–$35,200, typically around $31,238 (from 71 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.