Mercedes Benz SL320 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Mercedes Benz SL320, across 6 model years (1995–2000). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (16). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Mercedes Benz SL320 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL320 year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1995 SL320: 16 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1997 SL320: 6 complaints, 1 recall
- 1996 SL320: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2000 SL320: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 1999 SL320: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1998 SL320: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
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 SL320 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 16 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz SL320 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 SL320 | 1 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1999 SL320 | 2 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 1998 SL320 | 3 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 1997 SL320 | 6 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1996 SL320 | 4 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1995 SL320 | 16 | 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 SL320 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (16) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL320 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 SL320?
Electrical System, with 16 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz SL320 have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.