Mercedes-Benz SL Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Mercedes-Benz SL? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mercedes-Benz SL — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022Best | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2021 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2020 | Good | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | — | Communication | Full report → |
| 2019 | Good | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2018 | Good | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2017 | Excellent | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2016 | Excellent | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | Tires | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2014 | Good | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | Structure | Full report → |
| 2013 | Good | 3 | 12 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2011 | Excellent | — | 3 | 3 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2010 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 2009 | Good | — | 12 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2008 | Excellent | — | 3 | — | — | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
| 2007 | Good | 1 | 10 | — | — | — | Service Brakes | Full report → |
| 2006 | Good | — | 11 | — | — | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2005 | Good | — | 14 | — | — | — | Service Brakes | Full report → |
| 2004 | Avoid | 1 | 32 | 2 | 4 | 2 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2003Worst | Avoid | 1 | 58 | 4 | 1 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2002 | Excellent | — | 1 | — | — | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
| 2001 | Excellent | — | 2 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2000 | Excellent | — | 3 | — | — | — | Interior Lighting | Full report → |
| 1999 | Excellent | — | 2 | — | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 1998 | Good | — | 16 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 1997 | Good | 2 | 6 | 1 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 1996 | Good | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 1995 | Caution | — | 25 | — | 4 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 1994 | Good | — | 9 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 1993 | Excellent | — | 6 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 1992 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 1991 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
| 1990 | Excellent | — | — | — | — | — | — | Full report → |
33 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Mercedes-Benz SL Problems
Based on 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
SL Years to Avoid
Best SL Years to Buy
Mercedes-Benz SL Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Mercedes-Benz SL Reliability
What year SL has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 58 complaints and 1 safety recalls. See the full 2003 report for specific defects.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz SL has accumulated 243 owner-filed complaints and 24 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 2 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2022 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used SL.
What are the most common SL problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Suspension (38 reports), Electrical System (37 reports), Service Brakes (22 reports), Engine (14 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my SL has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz SL VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Mercedes-Benz SL VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily