Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class problems
Share of the 9 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 →
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class recalls (3)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class:
Air suspension system failure
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop…
What 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class owners say
Brakes
The vehicle (2003 mb slk320) was purchased on 4/14/2004 in az and began noticing problems on the drive back to nm. The most significant safety problem involves the transmission, which has been serviced by the manufacturer 8 times without resolution. The vehicle slips in and out of gear at highway speeds. The vehicle has spent a total of over 68 days in the shop for unsatisfactory repairs in a one-year period. To this date, the manufacturer has been uncooperative in resolving these problems forcing me to seek legal services.
Hydraulic brake failure, totally unexpected. Car is a marcedes Benz sl500, 2003. Only 8,500 k. On 6-24-04, mb issued a safety bulletin (NHTSA campaign id no. 04V296000)mb has not notified owners like me. I run a 4-way stop sign and a large pick-up truck was within 1 or 2 feet from hitting me on the drivers' side. Iwas able to stop the car about 50 yards after the stop sign. Messagge --in red letters in the dashboard-- wich said "reduced brake effect. Visit workshop".. I was not injured physically, but this was a near death experience. This happened on 7-26-04. The dealer has practically conficated the car and refuses to say much. Mb sent a technician from headquarters to check the car but refused to talk to me. Needles to say they are evasive and deny there is a problem. …
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.5L 8-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 SL Class rates average: 2.0× 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (2) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, the most recent from July 7, 2008 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 14,000 miles; 86% 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.