Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | −50% | 3 | Brake | Good |
| 2003 | 9 | 2.0× | 3 | Brake | Average |
| 1998 | 12 | 2.4× | — | Brake | Average |
| 1996 | 2 | −80% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median SL Class year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz SL Class problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz SL Class recalls
Electrical system
Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system May prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited…
Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on October 21m 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Visibility
If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz SL Class?
1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other SL Class years at the same age, followed by 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz SL Class problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (8), suspension (5) and fuel & propulsion system (4). Brake complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SL Class had?
5 recalls across 1996–2004. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Mercedes-Benz SL Class recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.