Most common 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz SL550 complaints by model year
Best SL550 years: 2018, 2019, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013. Compare all years →
2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls (1)
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.
What 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 owners say
Brakes
Frequently and intermittently (not every time) when I start my car's engine, the SRS malfunction warning light and "take car to service facility" message display appear on the instrument panel. When the SRS warning lights are illuminated, the windshield wipers do not work, irrespective of how the wiper controls are manipulated (one swipe ... Intermittent swipe ... Slow swipe ... Fast swipe ... Windshield washer squirter). When I try turning on the wipers while the SRS malfunction warning light is illuminated, the roll bar malfunction alert yellow symbol illuminates on the instrument panel and I hear an audible clicking sound from somewhere behind the seats (this is a two-seater car). I tried cycling the roll bar all the way through its range of motion ... From all the way stowed, to all the way deployed, back to all the way stowed ... …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550. While driving 35 MPH, the contact experienced catastrophic brake failure. The brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed. The contact had to coast the vehicle off the road and apply extreme force to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. An emergency warning indicator flashed and various other warning indicators illuminated. The power steering became disabled when the failure occurred. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and disabled the alarm system from the owner's manual. The vehicle was driven to the dealer (Mercedes-Benz of catonsville, 6631 baltimore national pike, catonsville, md 21228, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that there was a sensotronic brake control (sbc) failure and that the sbc control pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was waiting for the manufacturer to authorize the part. …
Electrical system
I purchased this vehicle in a private sale in September 2025. The battery Warning light was on and the radio was not working either. I had the vehicle inspected by the Mercedes dealer and was told the batteries were being drained because the BCM (Battery Control Module) I was told there was nothing they can do because Mercedes discontinued the replacement parts. So I started to investigate the BCM issue in this model and come to find out when they go bad the vehicles will get on fire, many owners around the world have posted the burned BCM & cars as well. I manage to take my BCM out and opened for inspection and is burned out, I was lucky the car did not catch fire. I have pictures. This should be a recall, anything that could ignite the vehicle should be a recall
This vehicle caught fire on its own while parked in a locked garage. The fire was in the trunk and involved various electrical and mechanical components and wiring harnesses. The car filled with dense smoke which coated everything with thick soot. The smoked seeped into everything including the closed console compartment and glove compartment. I believe the fire itself did not spread because of a lack of oxygen as the car was parked with top folding metal top up and the windows closed. The fire occurred on feb. 16, 2018, and was not discovered until the following day. The car was not economically repairable, and the insurance company provided a settlement in exchange for the car, which, I presume, was sold at a salvage auction. This has occurred before. I don't know how many times. On youtube, there is a Mercedes SL550 car that suffered exactly the same fire. …
2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 SL550 rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the SL550 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550?
The brakes — 8 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550, the most recent from March 18, 2022 (software). 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 SL550?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2019 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013. See the full Mercedes-Benz SL550 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 42,000 miles; 62% 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.