Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | −25% | 3 | Engine | Few |
| 2019 | 0 | −69% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2018 | 0 | −80% | 2 | — | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | −62% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2014 | 4 | −43% | 4 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2013 | 17 | 1.9× | 3 | Steering | Caution |
| 2009 | 15 | 1.2× | — | Brake | Average |
| 2007 | 16 | 1.4× | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median SL550 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021.
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz SL550 should you avoid?
2013 — this year has the most complaints relative to other SL550 years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz SL550?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other SL550 years at the same age, followed by 2019 and 2015. 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 SL550 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (15), wheels & tires (10) and engine & cooling (8). Brake complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SL550 had?
12 recalls across 2007–2020. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Mercedes-Benz SL550 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.