Most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems
Share of the 17 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 →
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls (3)
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.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air bags › Side/window
Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SL63, SL550, and SL65 vehicles manufactured January 16, 2013, through April 30, 2013. The affected vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not detect a very light person sitting in the front passenger seat.
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced at a tire shop, he was informed that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V899000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V899000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
Started the vehicle and used the gear selector to shift to Drive. Car did not go into gear. Towed to dealer. Dealer found faulty "ism module." Apparently a very common issue with these cars. So common that the part is in an "indefinite back order." The replacement part is also revised because Mercedes knows there was a manufacturer defect with the existing part. I am being charged more than $1600 on a part that the manufacturer has already acknowledged was faulty and created a replacement for it.
Traveling on I-5 in stop and go traffic 0- 60 MPH when transmission started shifting roughly. It then shifted to neutral and would not respond to shifter inputs. I was in the second lane from the right doing 10 or 15 MPH. I was able to force my way into the right lane and off to the shoulder. I put the transmission in sport and paddle shifter mode with no response from the shift selector. Thinking this is a computer problem I rebooted by shutting car off and restarting. All functions returned to normal. Took to dealer where I got very good service but it turns out there was a Mercedes bulletin regarding this problem. It required a software update that has appearently fixed the problem. What happened to me was very minor when compared to what could have happened losing power on the freeway and I believe there should have been a recall on such a serious safety problem. …
Engine & cooling
I was driving on a country road when all of a sudden my car lost power all the warning lights camo on the dashboard. Smoke started billowing out from the back and front of the car. It turned off and I only coasted about a 100 feet. I could not safely pull off to the side of the road as the car had no power. Thankfully the road was not very busy and the tow truck collected the vehicle. Upon further inspection I saw a lot of oil on the road and the mechanics were able to confirm that the engine block was cracked and there were 2 large holes. Upon further research I was able to find a lot of similar cases with this specific M278 Mercedes engine and premature failures that happen because of bad cylinder coating. In later engines they update the cylinder lining to a more durable steel sleeves. I think this is a very well documted issue and a huge safety risk. …
Cam sensor seals failed which leaked oil into the wire harness, O2 sensors, and ECM. This happens to be a common problem with M278 engine. The repair was $10,217 to fix this issue. The car would not pass emissions without this repair. Could oil into the electrical system pose a fire hazzard?
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 SL550 rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the SL550 at the same age. It is one of the SL550 years we suggest avoiding. 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550?
The steering — 5 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, the most recent from November 1, 2019 (communication). 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 31,000 miles; 73% 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.