Mercedes Benz SL Problems by Year
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz SL, across 6 model years (1995–2011). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Mercedes Benz SL years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes Benz SL problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz SL model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 SL | 1 | 0 | — | Equipment | |
| 2007 SL | 1 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2006 SL | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2004 SL | 2 | 0 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 2003 SL | 3 | 0 | — | Suspension | |
| 1995 SL | 13 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz SL years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes Benz SL?
Electrical System, with 14 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz SL have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.