Most common 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SL Class complaints by model year
Best SL Class years: 1996, 2004. Compare all years →
What 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class owners say
Brakes
The brake system vacuum booster did not hold the vacuum and caused a hissing noise when the brakes were applied. The brake warning light never illuminated to indicate a problem. The consumer requested a refund for a portion of the repair cost. Ph
1r signal wire had a bad connection causing the phone not to work, the check engine light to come on, low fuel ligh to blink, and the door locks to malfunction.
Equipment & accessories
Hard top. Cd player. Phone. Wood trim paint. Most problems have been dealer errors.
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
| 6.0L 12-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 SL Class rates average: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the SL Class at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and equipment & accessories (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996 and 2004. See the full Mercedes-Benz SL Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.