U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz SL electrical problems

21 complaint narratives mention electrical terms.

Key facts

41 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

72,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 to 2011 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 35 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Electrical and battery issues evidence

21 of 41 complaints match this topic (51.2%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10201881 · 2007-09-04 (September 4, 2007)

THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IS HARDENED AND BRITTLE AND WIRES ARE TOUCHING EACH OTHER THAT SHOULD NOT. I SPENT 30 YEARS IN THE CAR BUSINESS AND FOUND THAT THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENT IN VOLVO CARS AND MERCEDES. THE WIRING HARNESS IS SUB OUT TO FRENCH CONTRACTORS AND THE PLASTIC ON THE WIRES HARDENS AND FALLS OFF THE WIRES AND THE VACUUM LINES WHEN IN CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID EATS THEM UP WHICH WIPES OUT THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE THE INCENTIVE AND BRING THEIR STANDARDS UP--- OR HIRE SOMEONE ELSE TO DO THE JOB. MY FIRST MBZ …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10201881 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10074940 · 2004-06-07 (June 7, 2004)

THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM DEVELOPED SEVERE SHORTS, STALLED THE ENGINE, DISABLED THE ABS, ASR,SRS SYSTEMS. WITH ENGINE STALLED, STEERING AND BRAKING WERE DIFFICULT AND RESULTED IN FRONT END DAMAGE FROM IMPACT TO ROADSIDE BRUSH AND DIRT. WIRING INSULATION INSIDE THE WIRING BUNDLES HAD CRUMBLED TO DUST IN MANY PLACES FAR REMOVED FROM THE SHORT/MINOR FIRE. CAR STILL NOT OPERABLE DUE TO OTHER MAJOR WIRING HARNESS SHORTS DUE TO CRUMBLING INSULATION ON THE WIRES (HIDDEN BY THE BUNDLE JACKET) DEALER RESPONSE TOUGH IF YOU HAD BOU…

Owner-reported narrative. 80,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10074940 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10137365 · 2005-09-22 (September 22, 2005)

INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING CRUMBLES TO DUST, RESULTING IN SHORTS, DAMAGED ELECTRONICS, ENGINE STALLING, ABS FAILURE, ETC. IT APPEARS MBZ USED DEFECTIVE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESSES. IN ALL LOCATIONS THAT ARE EXPOSED TO HIGHER THAN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE THE INSULATION CRUMBLES TO DUST. . DEALER SAYS 'ITS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 92-95 MODEL YEARS'. REPLACEMENT HARNESSES COST OVER $3000 (2 RQD) AND REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS WITH INTEGRAL DEFECTIVE WIRING COST OVER $8000 (NOT INCLUDING ANY COMPUTE…

Owner-reported narrative. 82,560 miles reported. Look up ODI 10137365 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10151360 · 2006-02-27 (February 27, 2006)

TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WIRE INSULATION THAT 'CRUMBLES' TO A POWDER. THIS CONDITION IS NOT VISIBLE DURING ORDINARY INSPECTION AND REQUIRED ONE TO CUT OPEN THE ENCAPSULATED WIRING HARNESSES. FAILED WIRING HARNESSES FOR THESE…

Owner-reported narrative. 89,003 miles reported. Look up ODI 10151360 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10189179 · 2007-04-29 (April 29, 2007)

ON MY SL320 I HAD THE STARTER MOTOR ENGAGE AND WOULD NOT CUT OFF EVEN WHEN THE KEY WAS OUT. THE WIRING HARNESS HAD COMPLETELY DETERIORATED. THE INSULATION WAS CRACKED AND FALLING OFF. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10189179 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

41 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

85.4%Usable mileage35 / 41 records

95.1%Valid incident date39 / 41 records

100.0%Valid filing date41 / 41 records

95.1%Ordered incident and filing dates39 / 41 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2003	2004	2006	2007	2011
Electrical System	133.3% ODI 10588129 · 33,000 mi IGNITION SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES OVER DAYS WHILE DRIVING CUTTING OFF ALL ELECTRICAL RADIO, BRAKES STEERING ETC HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE 2004 OR 2005 WITH BATTERY SUDDENLY BEING DEAD BOTH ACCESSORY BATTERY IN TRUNK AND STARTING BATTERY AND HAS HAD MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT ON VARIOUS PARTS AND COMPUTERS THAT WERE SAID TO BE DRAWING DOWN THE BATTERY, ABOUT A YEAR AGO CONTACTED PRESIDENT OF MB NORTH AMERICA AND GOT NO HELP FROM CUSTOMER REP THEN LAST MONTH CAR LEFT ME IN INTERSECTION ONE TIME AND IN EXPRESSWAY ENTRANCE LANE ANOTHER… Look up ODI 10588129 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10577552 · 16,000 mi I WAS DRIVING A 2006 SL65. THE CAR HAD AN ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THUS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS CONNECTED TO A SENSOR WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO A PUMP WHICH TURNED THE BRAKES ON. SOMETHING FAILED. THERE WERE NO BRAKES! LUCKILY I DID NOT CRASH DESPITE BEING ON A CHICAGO CITY STREET. I WAS PROBABLY ON THE ONLY STREET WHERE I WOULD NOT HAVE CRASHED. THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL ON OLDER SLS FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY REMEDIED BUT THIS SHOULD BE A NEVER EVENT. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I GOT RID OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND THE DEALER BOUGH… Look up ODI 10577552 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	133.3% ODI 10470211 · 58,000 mi FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR Look up ODI 10470211 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	266.7% ODI 10470211 · 58,000 mi FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR Look up ODI 10470211 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 10462463 · 29,000 mi WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROCKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HELD THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY, BUT THE CAR STARTED MOVING TO THE RIGHT, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. IT APPEARED TO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, IT WAS OKAY. WITHIN A WEEK OR SO, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, AGAIN. LUCKILY, BOTH TIMES, I WAS DRIVING LOCALLY AT A LOW SPEED, RATHER THAN AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65MPH. *JS Look up ODI 10462463 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Equipment	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10407728 · 4,127 mi TL* THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRING A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ SLK55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOW HOOK FRACTURED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING UNLOADED BY A TRUCKING COMPANY. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,127. Look up ODI 10407728 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10426642 · 46,000 mi WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, AT LEAST ONE OF THESE EVENTS WOULD OCCUR: A) THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT, IT WOULD REMAIN STUCK IN HIGH GEAR. B) THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO IDLE AT STOP, THEN IT WOULD STALL. C) WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT UP-SHIFT, THE CAR WOULD BE STUCK IN "LIMP HOME " MODE (SECOND GEAR?). D) PEDDLES WOULD NOT BE FUNCTIONAL. THE PROPER OPERATION WOULD USUALLY RETURN AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO EFFECT A "RE-SET" OF THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. BEFORE A RESET ACTUALLY TOOK HOLD,… Look up ODI 10426642 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	46,000–111,000 mi	72,000 mi	17	ODI 10202961 · 80,763 mi WIRING HARNESS ON 1994 MERCEDES BENZ SL600, WITH LESS THAN 80,000 MILES . MY MECHANIC ESTIMATED IT WOULD COST THE COSUMER BETWEEN $7,000 TO $10,000 TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. THIS IS A KNOWN FAULT BY MERCEDES BENZ RESULTING IN A PREMATURE CORROSION OF THE WIRING HARNESS RUNNING ALONG THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. MERCEDES IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS A LARGE STOCK TO MEET THE DEMAND. THE CAR GO INTO THE UNSAFE MODE DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. Look up ODI 10202961 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10232050 · 34,500 mi I HAVE A 1994 600SL MERCEDES (35,000 MILES) WITH COMPLETE BREAK DOWN OF ALL THE ELECTRICAL WIRE INSULATION. UPON MY INVESTIGATION I FIND THAT EVERY SL HAS THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE MERCEDES TO REPLACE ALL THE WIRING HARNESSES INCLUDING THE HARNESS TO THE THROTTLE BODIES. TR Look up ODI 10232050 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10235877 · 157,000 mi INTERMITTENT IDLE CHANGE AND IDLE SURGES DURING DRIVING. ALSO WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR CUTS OUT. TR Look up ODI 10235877 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	81,580–105,000 mi	100,000 mi	7	ODI 10209099 · 100,000 mi MAIN ENGINE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED REPLACED DUE TO FAULTY INSULATION ON THE WIRES. *TR Look up ODI 10209099 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10074940 · 80,600 mi THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM DEVELOPED SEVERE SHORTS, STALLED THE ENGINE, DISABLED THE ABS, ASR,SRS SYSTEMS. WITH ENGINE STALLED, STEERING AND BRAKING WERE DIFFICULT AND RESULTED IN FRONT END DAMAGE FROM IMPACT TO ROADSIDE BRUSH AND DIRT. WIRING INSULATION INSIDE THE WIRING BUNDLES HAD CRUMBLED TO DUST IN MANY PLACES FAR REMOVED FROM THE SHORT/MINOR FIRE. CAR STILL NOT OPERABLE DUE TO OTHER MAJOR WIRING HARNESS SHORTS DUE TO CRUMBLING INSULATION ON THE WIRES (HIDDEN BY THE BUNDLE JACKET) DEALER RESPONSE TOUGH IF YOU HAD BOU… Look up ODI 10074940 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10137365 · 82,560 mi INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING CRUMBLES TO DUST, RESULTING IN SHORTS, DAMAGED ELECTRONICS, ENGINE STALLING, ABS FAILURE, ETC. IT APPEARS MBZ USED DEFECTIVE INSULATION ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESSES. IN ALL LOCATIONS THAT ARE EXPOSED TO HIGHER THAN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE THE INSULATION CRUMBLES TO DUST. . DEALER SAYS 'ITS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 92-95 MODEL YEARS'. REPLACEMENT HARNESSES COST OVER $3000 (2 RQD) AND REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS WITH INTEGRAL DEFECTIVE WIRING COST OVER $8000 (NOT INCLUDING ANY COMPUTE… Look up ODI 10137365 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	Too few reports for a range	91,146 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10151360 · 89,003 mi TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WIRE INSULATION THAT 'CRUMBLES' TO A POWDER. THIS CONDITION IS NOT VISIBLE DURING ORDINARY INSPECTION AND REQUIRED ONE TO CUT OPEN THE ENCAPSULATED WIRING HARNESSES. FAILED WIRING HARNESSES FOR THESE… Look up ODI 10151360 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10218634 · 93,289 mi I OWN A 1994 SL 600 MERCEDES BENZ. AFTER PAYING 17,000 DOLLARS FOR THE CAR, I RECENTLY NOTICED THE CAR STALLING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN TRAFFIC. MAJOR CONCERN WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE CAR STALLS WITH EVERYONE BLOWING THEIR HORNS AND I AM DRIVING A 135K DOLLAR CAR. IT FINALLY BREAKS DOWN AND I HAVE IT TOWED TO TONY'S FOREIGN CAR IN WILMINGTON, NC FOR ASSESSMENT. THEY INFORM ME THAT IT IS THE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE AND SHOWED ME THE DECOMPOSITION OF THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING. THEY TELL ME IT IS A COMMON FAILURE OF THE 94 TO 97 YEAR MO… Look up ODI 10218634 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	118,170 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10235877 · 157,000 mi INTERMITTENT IDLE CHANGE AND IDLE SURGES DURING DRIVING. ALSO WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR CUTS OUT. TR Look up ODI 10235877 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10308472 · 118,170 mi FAULTY BIODEGRADABLE WIRING IN CAR CAUSING A LOT OF PROBLEMS AND I NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO ERRATIC ENGINE FUNCTION 3 TIMES. TR Look up ODI 10308472 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10470211 · 58,000 mi FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR Look up ODI 10470211 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	58,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10470211 · 58,000 mi FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. TR Look up ODI 10470211 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10488815 · 95,000 mi I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND MY ABC LIGHT VISIT WORKSHOP LIGHT CAME ON. OK, THAT'S FINE I'LL TAKE IT TO THE SHOP TOMORROW. WHILE ON MY WAY HOME MY CAR SUDDENLY DROPS IN HEIGHT AND A WARNING SIGN CAME ON SAYING "STOP DRIVING, CAR TOO LOW." I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT MY CAR HAD MAYBE AN INCH OF CLEARANCE IN THE FRONT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF IT FEEL ANY LOWER I WOULD BE DEAD DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I DROVE MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND LEFT IT THERE AND WAITED FOR A FRIEND TO PICK ME UP. I'VE READ MANY FORUMS… Look up ODI 10488815 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10462463 · 29,000 mi WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROCKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HELD THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY, BUT THE CAR STARTED MOVING TO THE RIGHT, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. IT APPEARED TO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, IT WAS OKAY. WITHIN A WEEK OR SO, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, AGAIN. LUCKILY, BOTH TIMES, I WAS DRIVING LOCALLY AT A LOW SPEED, RATHER THAN AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65MPH. JS Look up ODI 10462463 at NHTSA ↗
Equipment	Too few reports for a range	35,064 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10060425 · 66,000 mi RECALL OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM, REPAIRED 12/5/1996 BY A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER AND IN JANUARY 2004 (7 YEARS, 1 MONTH, ) I INCURRED A $676.53 REPAIR BILL, FOR THE SAME HEAD LIGHT WIPER SYSTEM RECALL.AK Look up ODI 10060425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10407728 · 4,127 mi TL THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRING A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ SLK55. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOW HOOK FRACTURED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING UNLOADED BY A TRUCKING COMPANY. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,127. Look up ODI 10407728 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	100,622 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10456069 · 155,244 mi THERE ARE MULTIPLE INHERANT FLAWS WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE THAT AFFECT THE SAFETY AND ROADWORTHINESS OF THIS AUTOMOBILE INCLUDED HERIN AS ABSERVED BY ME IN MY OWNERSHIP. I HAD REPLACED THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD INSULATION ON THE WIRES THAT LITTERALLY TURNED TO DUST! THESE WIRES WERE FREE TO ARC ON EACHOTHER CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION(THIS CAR IS EQUIPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AND WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT DRIVER IMPUT), FINALLY FAILED THROTTLE RESPONSE! ALL OF THESE INSTANCES CAN, AND W… Look up ODI 10456069 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10426642 · 46,000 mi WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, AT LEAST ONE OF THESE EVENTS WOULD OCCUR: A) THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DOWNSHIFT, IT WOULD REMAIN STUCK IN HIGH GEAR. B) THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO IDLE AT STOP, THEN IT WOULD STALL. C) WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT UP-SHIFT, THE CAR WOULD BE STUCK IN "LIMP HOME " MODE (SECOND GEAR?). D) PEDDLES WOULD NOT BE FUNCTIONAL. THE PROPER OPERATION WOULD USUALLY RETURN AFTER CYCLING THE IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO EFFECT A "RE-SET" OF THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. BEFORE A RESET ACTUALLY TOOK HOLD,… Look up ODI 10426642 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	66,469 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10151360 · 89,003 mi TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WIRE INSULATION THAT 'CRUMBLES' TO A POWDER. THIS CONDITION IS NOT VISIBLE DURING ORDINARY INSPECTION AND REQUIRED ONE TO CUT OPEN THE ENCAPSULATED WIRING HARNESSES. FAILED WIRING HARNESSES FOR THESE… Look up ODI 10151360 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10205907 · 43,935 mi DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CRACKED, CRUMBLED INSULATION, EXPOSING BARE WIRES AND SHORTING ASR, TRACTION CONTROL, FUEL INJECTION THROTTLE VALVE, AC NOT WORKING. THE I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MANY HOURS ONLY TO FIND OEM WIRE IS DEFECTIVE! THE MB DEALER WANTS $ 6,000 FOR ONLY 1) SIDE OF THROTTLE VALVE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT AND THE CAR HAS 2). AND THE THROTTLE VALVE IS NOT THE PROBLEM THE DEFECTIVE WIRING IS THE PROBLEM! ITS PLAIN TO SEE THAT NOTHING CAN FUNCTION PROPERLY IF BARE WIRES ARE SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM! THIS IS… Look up ODI 10205907 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2007: 0 complaints · 2011: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2007	0	0	0
2011	1	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2007	1	0	0
2011	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	Electrical System:Wiring	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Suspension	Equipment	Power Train	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Electrical System	—	0	0	2 ODI 10235877 · 157,000 mi INTERMITTENT IDLE CHANGE AND IDLE SURGES DURING DRIVING. ALSO WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR CUTS OUT. TR Look up ODI 10235877 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10308472 · 118,170 mi FAULTY BIODEGRADABLE WIRING IN CAR CAUSING A LOT OF PROBLEMS AND I NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO ERRATIC ENGINE FUNCTION 3 TIMES. TR Look up ODI 10308472 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10456069 · 155,244 mi THERE ARE MULTIPLE INHERANT FLAWS WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE THAT AFFECT THE SAFETY AND ROADWORTHINESS OF THIS AUTOMOBILE INCLUDED HERIN AS ABSERVED BY ME IN MY OWNERSHIP. I HAD REPLACED THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD INSULATION ON THE WIRES THAT LITTERALLY TURNED TO DUST! THESE WIRES WERE FREE TO ARC ON EACHOTHER CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION(THIS CAR IS EQUIPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AND WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT DRIVER IMPUT), FINALLY FAILED THROTTLE RESPONSE! ALL OF THESE INSTANCES CAN, AND W… Look up ODI 10456069 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10205907 · 43,935 mi DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CRACKED, CRUMBLED INSULATION, EXPOSING BARE WIRES AND SHORTING ASR, TRACTION CONTROL, FUEL INJECTION THROTTLE VALVE, AC NOT WORKING. THE I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MANY HOURS ONLY TO FIND OEM WIRE IS DEFECTIVE! THE MB DEALER WANTS $ 6,000 FOR ONLY 1) SIDE OF THROTTLE VALVE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT AND THE CAR HAS 2). AND THE THROTTLE VALVE IS NOT THE PROBLEM THE DEFECTIVE WIRING IS THE PROBLEM! ITS PLAIN TO SEE THAT NOTHING CAN FUNCTION PROPERLY IF BARE WIRES ARE SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM! THIS IS… Look up ODI 10205907 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Wiring	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10151360 · 89,003 mi TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WIRE INSULATION THAT 'CRUMBLES' TO A POWDER. THIS CONDITION IS NOT VISIBLE DURING ORDINARY INSPECTION AND REQUIRED ONE TO CUT OPEN THE ENCAPSULATED WIRING HARNESSES. FAILED WIRING HARNESSES FOR THESE… Look up ODI 10151360 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	2 ODI 10235877 · 157,000 mi INTERMITTENT IDLE CHANGE AND IDLE SURGES DURING DRIVING. ALSO WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE CAR CUTS OUT. TR Look up ODI 10235877 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10308472 · 118,170 mi FAULTY BIODEGRADABLE WIRING IN CAR CAUSING A LOT OF PROBLEMS AND I NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO ERRATIC ENGINE FUNCTION 3 TIMES. TR Look up ODI 10308472 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10470211 · 58,000 mi FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR Look up ODI 10470211 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	1 ODI 10470211 · 58,000 mi FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR Look up ODI 10470211 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Equipment	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Power Train	1 ODI 10456069 · 155,244 mi THERE ARE MULTIPLE INHERANT FLAWS WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE THAT AFFECT THE SAFETY AND ROADWORTHINESS OF THIS AUTOMOBILE INCLUDED HERIN AS ABSERVED BY ME IN MY OWNERSHIP. I HAD REPLACED THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD INSULATION ON THE WIRES THAT LITTERALLY TURNED TO DUST! THESE WIRES WERE FREE TO ARC ON EACHOTHER CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION(THIS CAR IS EQUIPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AND WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT DRIVER IMPUT), FINALLY FAILED THROTTLE RESPONSE! ALL OF THESE INSTANCES CAN, AND W… Look up ODI 10456069 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	1 ODI 10205907 · 43,935 mi DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CRACKED, CRUMBLED INSULATION, EXPOSING BARE WIRES AND SHORTING ASR, TRACTION CONTROL, FUEL INJECTION THROTTLE VALVE, AC NOT WORKING. THE I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND MANY HOURS ONLY TO FIND OEM WIRE IS DEFECTIVE! THE MB DEALER WANTS $ 6,000 FOR ONLY 1) SIDE OF THROTTLE VALVE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT AND THE CAR HAS 2). AND THE THROTTLE VALVE IS NOT THE PROBLEM THE DEFECTIVE WIRING IS THE PROBLEM! ITS PLAIN TO SEE THAT NOTHING CAN FUNCTION PROPERLY IF BARE WIRES ARE SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM! THIS IS… Look up ODI 10205907 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10151360 · 89,003 mi TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ENGINE STOPPAGE, DEACTIVATION OF ABS, ASD, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS, LIGHTS. WHEN GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACT, ROAD VIBRATION CAUSED DETERIORATED WIRING INSULATION (INSIDE A BUNDLE OF WIRES) TO FALL OFF CAUSING A MASSIVE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT. APPARENTLY SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THESE CARS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WIRE INSULATION THAT 'CRUMBLES' TO A POWDER. THIS CONDITION IS NOT VISIBLE DURING ORDINARY INSPECTION AND REQUIRED ONE TO CUT OPEN THE ENCAPSULATED WIRING HARNESSES. FAILED WIRING HARNESSES FOR THESE… Look up ODI 10151360 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 14.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,800 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10074940 · 80,600 mi

Look up ODI 10074940 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10135786 · 69,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ SL-500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED A COMPUTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL REPLACE SOMETHING DIFFERENT EACH TIME THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED ON A REGULAR BASIS, MORE AND MORE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR AP…

Look up ODI 10135786 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10137365 · 82,560 mi

Look up ODI 10137365 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 4.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,429 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10262159 · 69,358 mi

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE COMPLETE ENGINE HARNESS IS BEING REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10262159 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10394462 · 79,500 mi

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ MODEL SL600. SHORTLY AFTER GETTING THE CAR HOME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A FEW DAYS AFTER THAT THE ASR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SO I STARTED TO RESEARCH WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH I FOUND AN ONLINE WEBSITE WHICH HAD SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THE POSSIBLE CAUSES. THE WEBSITE RECOMMENDED THAT THE WIRING SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR CRACKING AND DETERIORATION OF THE INSULATION. UPON INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THAT THE INSULATION ON MUCH OF THE WIRING GOING TO THE MASS AIR FLOW…

Look up ODI 10394462 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 16,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10577552 · 16,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING A 2006 SL65. THE CAR HAD AN ELECTRONIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THUS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS CONNECTED TO A SENSOR WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO A PUMP WHICH TURNED THE BRAKES ON. SOMETHING FAILED. THERE WERE NO BRAKES! LUCKILY I DID NOT CRASH DESPITE BEING ON A CHICAGO CITY STREET. I WAS PROBABLY ON THE ONLY STREET WHERE I WOULD NOT HAVE CRASHED. THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL ON OLDER SLS FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY REMEDIED BUT THIS SHOULD BE A NEVER EVENT. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I GOT RID OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND THE DEALER BOUGH…

Look up ODI 10577552 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule