Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day he noticed that the front of the vehicle was lowered down. The contact stated that the car was too low a warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and taking his foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle would raise up independently and would be able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front strap suspension to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,500.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "Drive Carefully" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABC tandem pump, struts, and hoses needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they did not provide service for older vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues with the All Body Control system. Expensive repairs in the $3000-$8000 range. This is a safety issue the breakdown happens abruptly and I was fortunate other cars weren't on the parkway with me. Otherwise a crash could gave occurred.
ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car. Light says do not drive. Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this. Really irresponsible by Mercedes.
It has been nearly two years I have stopped driving my 2003 Mercedes SL500, although I only have about 80,000 miles on the car. This is due to ABC warning light(red display: please drive carefully)comes on intermittently and the car drives very bouncy and it feels the car has no shocks, definitely feeling it would be unsafe to drive. The diagnostic message comes up saying "visit workshop". This is the third time this ABC pump issue is stopping me from driving the car, since it first appeared when I had 29,000 miles on the car which was under manufacturer warranty (50,000 miles or four years) and the dealership replaced the ABC pump and also replaced the engine mounts. The ABC red light appeared again when I had about 51,000 miles on the car. It happened also the engine mounts were in need of replacement again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, she smelled smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the abc and stop vehicle too low warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that while driving, the front end of the vehicle started to scrape the ground. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and noticed that it was leaking fluid. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. It was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed but the vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V263000 (engine and engine cooling, suspension). The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle also showed failure signs of NHTSA campaign: 05V133000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was 86,998.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. While driving into the garage, the abc pump warning indicator illuminated and the contact noticed smoke inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed a large amount of hydraulic fluid on the garage floor. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front and rear axle valve lock, and pressure reservoir for the abc system needed to be repaired and flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07V263000 (suspension, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,620.
I own a 2003 Mercedes Benz sl 500 and replaced the hydraulic pump in 2014 for $6400.00. The car would drop low (on one side if parked for a few hours). Today, January 5, 2017 - the identical problem happened again. While driving, I heard a loud bursting sound and then hydraulic fluid began seeping out also, the abc red dash light illuminated stating that the car is "too low to drive". I managed to slowly drive home (without power steering). This is a huge defect in Mercedes Benz technology and manufacturing - a class action lawsuit is absolutely necessary. This vehicle is defective and dangerous to operate. Also, consumers should not spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on defective parts. By the way, this vehicle has always been serviced by Mercedes Benz dealership technicians. …
My car is a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500. The abc light keeps coming on and the cars suspension continues to raise and fall. Many times one side higher than the other and not evenly. In 2013 I had a similar problem and ended up costing roughly $3200. Obviously, this is an unsafe mechanical issue. After reviewing you site for recalls on mb 2003 SL500, it appears there was a recall for this problem on my model year and car. After speaking to mb of sarasota and mbusa it was VIN# specific and my VIN wasnt included. I am very confused how this doesnt cover my vehicle. NHTSA caampaign number : 08V405000. Obviously, this should not be VIN specific as my car has this problem for the second time and very expensive to correct. It is a dangerous mechanical defect that mb should take care of. Any help would be appreciated.
Suspension drops overnight and has dropped while in motion on the expressway. Red warning to limit speed constantly comes on especially if low on fluid and on bumps. The dealer cannot isolate the cause of pressure or excessive hydraulic fluid leaks. Front bumper damaged as a result. Over $8000.00 spent and problem not resolved. No confidence in the car unless the supply of fluid is carried in the car at all times. Dealer wanted $16,000.00 to diagnose and possibly repair but offered no warranty for work.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Suspension complaints in other SL500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 43% of the model year's 80 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.