Most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems
Share of the 15 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 →
What 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 owners say
Brakes
I bought the almost 3 years now since I bought it I seen and message on the dash board Reduced Braking Power Depress Brake Pedal fully . I search on the website most the Mercedez Benz has same problem but when check my Vin number I saw no issue on my SL550 2009. I almost depress on my car ill spend a lot of money and its dangerous to used it I went to a dealer 2 years ago for but on their diagnose they don saw anything about this issue. Before its happen only when the weather is cold and car cold too but now while you on the road keep losing brake
Complete brake failure while driving. No one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. Now the ABS and SRS lights on. Brake pedal to the floor. I completely have new brakes speed sensors fluid exchanges and more. The current recall doesn't seem to cover my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and they said there are no open recalls.
Wheels & tires
At 2595 miles,I needed to replace 3 tires and repair 2 rims on my 2009 Mercedes Benz SL550;at 7400 miles,another tire with a bulge;at 8000 miles,3 more tires with bubbles...awaiting my service appointment;afaid to drive and apprehensive to call the insurance company for fear of losing coverage.thousands of dollars out-no tire warranty and the dealer service department tells me it is me! My car is just two years old and has less than 8500 miles on it.I have been driving this make/model for 23 years with no prior incident. This car will have its third set of tires and multiple rim repairs at 8500 miles or so!
I have owned this vehicle since March 2009 and have had to replace 11 tires and 2 wheels and have had 3 wheels repaired. This is due to low profile tires which develop bulges.
Electrical system
I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003-2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the BCM [Battery Control Module] is prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE - potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL owner's experience. MBUSA, its dealers, many SL owners, independent service centers and salvage yards are aware of this problem: multiple reports detailing it can easily be found on the Internet. Possible modifications to alleviate the danger have been affected by some SL owners, one picture of which has been uploaded here. …
This particular model 2009 Mercedes SL 550 hardtop convertible 5.5 liter motor has two batteries and accessory battery that battery that's located in the trunk in the main starting battery that's on the firewall. These batteries are both new in OEM recommended. If the car sits for 24 hours, it will not start. The electrical system is completely drained. There are many forms describing the same issue but yet the SL model is not included in a civil lawsuit. Mercedes-Benz definitely knows they have an issue in somehow it needs to be rectified.
2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 SL550 rates average: 1.2× 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550?
The brakes — 6 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (5) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 75% 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.