Mercedes Benz SL Class Problems by Year
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz SL Class, across 11 model years (1996–2013). The 1998 model year has the most complaints (12). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes, hydraulic.
Mercedes Benz SL Class years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL Class year: 1998. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1998 SL Class: 12 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2003 SL Class: 9 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2004 SL Class: 3 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2002 SL Class: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 1996 SL Class: 2 complaints, 2 recalls
- 1997 SL Class: 2 complaints, 1 recall
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 Class problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Equipment | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz SL Class model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 SL Class | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2009 SL Class | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2006 SL Class | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2005 SL Class | 2 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2004 SL Class | 3 | 3 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2003 SL Class | 9 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2002 SL Class | 1 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1999 SL Class | 0 | 0 | — | — | |
| 1998 SL Class | 12 | 0 | — | Equipment | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1997 SL Class | 2 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1996 SL Class | 2 | 2 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz SL Class years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1998 (12) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL Class 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 Class?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, with 7 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz SL Class have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.