U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz SL500 engine problems

11 complaint narratives mention engine terms.

Key facts

225 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

65,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1992 to 2009 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 189 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Engine operation evidence

11 of 225 complaints match this topic (4.9%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10924326 · 2016-11-04 (November 4, 2016)

FACTORY MATERIAL DEFECT. ENGINE WIRE HARNESS INSULATION IS BREAKING DOWN AND FLAKING OFF, LEAVING EXPOSED WIRE. IGNITION IS POOR AND THREATENS TO STALL, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARMS UP TO 85-90C. I FEAR THE ENGINE MAY FAIL OR CATCH FIRE DURING A DRIVE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS ALSO A SHORT IN THE AUDIO SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS BEAUTIFUL. IT IS A SHAME TO HAVE IT SITTING SINCE 2008. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10924326 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10172352 · 2006-11-01 (November 1, 2006)

CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. STARTED SMALL FIRE THAT WAS EXTINGUISHED BEFORE ANY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. I REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS AND CLEANED ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION HAD TURNED TO POWDER IN MANY LOCATIONS SHORTING FUEL INJECTORS, MASS SENSOR AND CAM MAGNETS. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 119,750 miles reported. Look up ODI 10172352 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10458245 · 2012-05-13 (May 13, 2012)

MERCEDES BENZ ENGINEERED THEIR 1995 SL500 WITH FAULTY WIRING. I HAVE EXPERIENCED TIMES WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT IDLE AT A STOP LIGHT. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I HAVE CROSSED AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR STALLED, HAD NOT POWER AND JUST WOULD NOT RUN. THIS HAS ALMOST BEEN THE CAUSE OF MORE THAN ONE ACCIDENT. SEVERAL HOURS HAS BEEN SPENT BY MECHANICS WORKING ON THE CAR DOING RESEARCH TO DIAGNOSIS THE ISSUES. WE BECAME AWARE OF THE FAULTY WIRING THAT MERCEDES BENZ USED AND IN TURN HAS CAUSED SEVERAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL. THERE HAS BEEN $1,000.0…

Owner-reported narrative. 102,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10458245 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10479888 · 2012-10-12 (October 12, 2012)

TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AS IT WASN'T RUNNING PROPERLY (COMPUTER CODES, STALLING, ETC) FOUND OUT THAT IN 1995 THE MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY PUT BIODEGRADABLE WIRING. HAD TO SEND TO GERMANY FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS ($1500) MAY HAVE TO PURCHASE THE OTHER WIRING HARNESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE ($3000). WHAT KIND OF CAR COMPANY PUTS BIODEGRADABLE WIRING IN THEIR CARS?? A MERCEDES IS KNOWN TO LAST UP TO SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES, BUT NOT WHEN THE WIRING STARTS DISINTEGRATING!! I HAVE SINCE FOUND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CLASS ACTION SUIT…

Owner-reported narrative. 63,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10479888 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10511697 · 2013-05-13 (May 13, 2013)

WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE …

Owner-reported narrative. 43,890 miles reported. Look up ODI 10511697 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

225 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

84.0%Usable mileage189 / 225 records

99.1%Valid incident date223 / 225 records

100.0%Valid filing date225 / 225 records

99.1%Ordered incident and filing dates223 / 225 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	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2003	2004	2005	2006	2009
Suspension	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	3442.5% ODI 10272790 · 49,820 mi 2003 MERCEDES BENZ 500SL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR JUST DROPPED DOWN , THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IT RUINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT'S HARD TO GET IT TOWED. IT IS VERY LOW AND IT CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT , THE FUNNY THING WAS THE NEXT DAY STARTED THE CAR UP THE CAR CAME UP BUT KNOWING MY UNDERCARRIAGE IS DESTROYED . I HAD COUPLE INCIDENTS HAPPEN TO MEN LUCK I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. IT ALSO THROWS YOUR ALIGNMENT OUT. *TR Look up ODI 10272790 at NHTSA ↗	2146.7% ODI 10312445 · 19,000 mi ADDENDUM INFO TO ORIGINAL COMPLAINT #10308437 SHOWS THAT MB SERVICE ADVISOR J. STEACH ADVISED M .B. NOT RESPONSIBLE AS DRIVER SHOULD "MISS" POTHOLES. ENGINEERING ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR DRIVER TO STEER AROUND POTHOLES. AT 70MPH MB SL500 TRAVELS 103 FT/SEC AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO OBSERVE THE POTHOLE HAZARD AND CATEGORIZE AS SAFETY RISK AT SPEEDS OF 70MPH(103FT/SEC) REACT PHYSIOLOGICALLY AND ACTUATE STEERING SYSTEM -ALL IN LESS THAN ONE SECOND-ONE HALF SECOND EACH FOR HUMAN RESPONSE AND SAME FOR MECHANICAL ACTUATION-INSUFFI… Look up ODI 10312445 at NHTSA ↗	210.5% ODI 10533280 · 37,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ 500SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SAT ABNORMALLY LOW TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10533280 at NHTSA ↗	430.8% ODI 10255378 · 12,550 mi CHANGE TIRE AND JACK WOULD NOT HOLD IT WEIGHT AND BUCKLED INWARD DEALER AND MERCEDES BENZ NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE JACK NEED TO BE RECALL AND PAY FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSE BY THE DROP DUE TO JACK FAILURE. *TR Look up ODI 10255378 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	1463.6% ODI 10226361 · 563,000 mi MY 1995 SL500 RECENTLY LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY ALTERNATOR BUT, WHILE THE MB DEALERSHIP WAS LOOKING THE CAR OVER, THE EA WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE DEGRADED IN SEVERAL PLACES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH ALSO INVOLVED REPLACING THE EA CONTROL UNIT AND THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATOR. THESE PARTS APPARENTLY COME AS KIT FOR ABOUT $4,000.00! I OPTED TO NOT HAVE THAT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME BUT, I WILL BE HAVING IT REPAIRED VERY VERY SOON! IT IS QUITE REMARKABLE THAT A BIODEGRADABL… Look up ODI 10226361 at NHTSA ↗	233.3% ODI 10081955 · 50,000 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNING ODOR, THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR. AK THE FAULTY DEVICE WAS DUE TO A TRANSISTOR THAT HAD GONE BAD ON THE ELECTRIC BOARD ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAVIEW MIRROR. SC *JB Look up ODI 10081955 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 10889168 · 18,677 mi CAR WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY WHEN THICK DARK BLACK SMOKE BECAME VISIBLE FROM THE INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR AND DOME LIGHT HOUSING. Look up ODI 10889168 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	266.7% ODI 10173053 · 37,678 mi I HAVE AN 01 S500 MERCEDES BENZ WITH ONLY 44000 MILES ON IT. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT @ 36000 MILES. THE LIGHTS ARE DIMMED ON THE SPEEDOMETER. A LOCAL SHOP TRIED TO REPAIR IT FOR $625 BUT I WAS TOLD, SINCE IT'S A CIRCUIT, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BLOW. THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR ABOUT $1900. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS I FIND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MODEL. *NM Look up ODI 10173053 at NHTSA ↗	1012.5% ODI 10240547 · 21,123 mi IGNITION FAILURE, NO KEYS WORK TO START THE VEHICLE (IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE KEYS) CAR HAD TO BE PUT ON A FLATBED TRUCK AND SENT TO DEALER FOR REPAID. *TR Look up ODI 10240547 at NHTSA ↗	48.9% ODI 10971540 "TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS) Look up ODI 10971540 at NHTSA ↗	315.8% ODI 10171851 · 4,000 mi MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 (2005), 4000 MILES. BRAKES FAILED. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE AN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER FAILURE OF SOME KIND. AUTO WAS SERVICED A WEEK AGO. HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL AND/ORL FEATURES FROM FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE. THE MOST DANGEROUS WAS TODAY'S BRAKE FAILURE. HAD TO PLACE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN IN PARK TO MAKE IT STOP. *NM Look up ODI 10171851 at NHTSA ↗	17.7% ODI 10787102 · 85,000 mi WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED ON, THE SRS LIGHT COMES ON, THE ROLLBAR LIGHT ON, COMMAND CENTER OFF/ON/OFF/ON, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, SEAT WARMERS/COOLERS INOP, AUTO HEADLIGHTS INOP.....ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE CONNECTED AND INTERMITTENT. READING THROUGHT THE MB FORUM AND MBWORLD FORUM, MANY SL OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING AND IT ALL SEEMS TO POINT TO THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH. I WROTE A LETTER TO MB IN JANUARY 2015 AND THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HELP. MY INDEPENDENT DEALER IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (THEY… Look up ODI 10787102 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	14.5% ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10716917 · 153,000 mi DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE DIES. CAR BECOMES DEAD, VERY DANGEROUS , AT NIGHT MIDDLE LANE OF PACIFIC COAST HWY. CANT USE BREAKS, EVERYTHING IS DEAD! CANT STEER NOTHING. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWICE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY, THATS A PROBLEM, ENDANGERING ME AND EVERYONE AROUND. THIS IS NUTS BECAUSE I PRIDE MYSELF ON KEEPING MY CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE ALWAYS AND THIS IS UNDETECTABLE . BUT EXPENSIVE TO TRY AND FIND OUT UNTIL I SAW THAT 800 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD … Look up ODI 10716917 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11691658 The contact owns a 1999 N/A Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact purchased the rear brake rotors and pads from R1 Concepts, who sells auto parts on Amazon. When the contact installed the brake parts, the rotors could not be adjusted since the rotors were missing the opening that needed to be pre-drilled. The contact stated that when the rear brakes were adjusted, the defect was found. In addition, the contact stated that while parking the vehicle and setting the parking brake, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated … Look up ODI 11691658 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	810.0% ODI 10561822 · 47,000 mi WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING "SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC". MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT. HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT DID HAVE A RECALL ON IT, BUT IT EXPIRED IN JULY LAST YEAR, JUST MY LUCK. SO I GOOGLED IT AND HAVE NOW FOUND TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE! HOW CAN THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LEGALLY ALLOW MERCEDES BENZ TO CONTIN… Look up ODI 10561822 at NHTSA ↗	920.0% ODI 10644475 · 82,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, A WARNING LIGHT SUDDENLY FLASHED THAT INDICATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAULTY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND INCREASED THE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE BOOSTER WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. Look up ODI 10644475 at NHTSA ↗	631.6% ODI 10478619 · 65,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCKS FELT AS IF THEY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MIL… Look up ODI 10478619 at NHTSA ↗	323.1% ODI 11082909 2006 SL 500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SBC WARNING CLUSTER ILLUMINATED AND BRAKE FAILURE. LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THE CONSUMER LIMPED THREE BLOCKS HOME. FAULT CODES C25DS, C26DE, C26BB, AND C233D IN THE SBC SYSTEM. JS Look up ODI 11082909 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	313.6% ODI 10511697 · 43,890 mi WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE … Look up ODI 10511697 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10716917 · 153,000 mi DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE DIES. CAR BECOMES DEAD, VERY DANGEROUS , AT NIGHT MIDDLE LANE OF PACIFIC COAST HWY. CANT USE BREAKS, EVERYTHING IS DEAD! CANT STEER NOTHING. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWICE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY, THATS A PROBLEM, ENDANGERING ME AND EVERYONE AROUND. THIS IS NUTS BECAUSE I PRIDE MYSELF ON KEEPING MY CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE ALWAYS AND THIS IS UNDETECTABLE . BUT EXPENSIVE TO TRY AND FIND OUT UNTIL I SAW THAT 800 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD … Look up ODI 10716917 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.	810.0% ODI 10515844 · 40,150 mi BANGING NOISE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. *TR Look up ODI 10515844 at NHTSA ↗	48.9% ODI 11156602 · 144,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FUEL TANK. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A CONSTANT FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF VIRGINIA BEACH (LOCATED AT 4949 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23462, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE BAFFLES IN THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED, SEPARATED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. TH… Look up ODI 11156602 at NHTSA ↗	15.3% ODI 10809067 · 22,685 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, FUEL ODORS EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE NOTICED FUEL HAD LEAKED INTO THE REAR SEATS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK CAP WAS LEAKING AND THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL TANK CAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,685. Look up ODI 10809067 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 770657 FUEL LINE LEAKAGE AT FUEL PUMP-SECOND OCCURANCE. DT Look up ODI 770657 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	911.3% ODI 10226101 · 44,000 mi 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 - BAFFLE BREAKS FREE WITHIN GAS TANK SEEMINGLY CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. MERCEDES DOES NOT REPLACE THE TANK FOR FREE IN ALL CASES. GAS TANK NEEDED REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10226101 at NHTSA ↗	48.9% ODI 10364000 · 50,000 mi BAFFLE IN MY FUEL TANK ON MY 2004 MERCEDES SL 500 HAS BROKEN. CAUSES A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AND THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO SPEND $3000 TO HAVE THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK REPLACED. THIS IS HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS OF MERCEDES BENZ SL OWNERS. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE HANDLED UNDER A RECALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *TR Look up ODI 10364000 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.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10024364 WHEN THE GEARS WERE SHIFTED, THEY BECAME STUCK. *AK Look up ODI 10024364 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10161078 · 25,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVETRAIN IS LEAPING AS THE CAR STARTS AND AS YOU START TO SHIFT. NO ACCIDENTS THAT LED UP TO THIS AND THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT IT SEVERAL (UNKNOWN QUANITY) TIMES. THE POWERTRAIN SEEMS TO BE SENDING POWER FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK OF THE CAR TOO QUICKLY AND THIS COULD LEAD TO FUTURE FAILURES AND A SAFETY RISK. Look up ODI 10161078 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	45.0% ODI 10394283 · 65,000 mi OUR 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 BECAME STUCK IN PARK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK DESPITE A VARIETY OF RECOMMENDED ATTEMPTS (TURNING KEY TO ON BUT NOT STARTING AND PUMPING BRAKES, ETC.). IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR ABOUT $1300. FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND MAY BE DUE TO A SINGLE PLASTIC PART IN THE SHIFTER WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (INTERLOCK?). APPARENTLY THE REPLACEMENT PART IS HEAVIER DUTY - MAY BE ALUMINUM NOT PLASTIC… Look up ODI 10394283 at NHTSA ↗	24.4% ODI 10669798 · 76,000 mi THE ABC VEHICLE HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED THE CAR TO DROP VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE, HOWEVER AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT, THEN RE STARTING THE CAR WENT UP TO ITS NORMAL HEIGHT, WHAT IF I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY? *TR Look up ODI 10669798 at NHTSA ↗	315.8% ODI 10981247 · 60,000 mi WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED (SLIPPED) SO MUCH SO THAT THE RPM'S SHOT UP AND THE CAR NO LONGER HAD POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS. I NEEDED TO MOVE OVER 2 LANES THROUGH TRAFFIC TO PULL OVER TO THE CURB AND GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. ONCE I STOPPED THE CAR AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED AND THE CAR REGAINED POWER THE THE REAR WHEELS AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO SAFETY WITH SOME MINIMAL SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION. ONCE I GOT THE CAR HOME I CHECKED FOR ERROR CODES EVEN THOU… Look up ODI 10981247 at NHTSA ↗	17.7% ODI 11010119 · 76,200 mi 722.9 7-SPEED TRANSMISSION HAS KNOWN DEFECT CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOCK UP IN GEAR WHEN DRIVING. LOCKS INTO 3RD GEAR, CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU GO TO PASS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO POWER WHEN YOU TRY TO KICK INTO PASSING GEAR. ON MANY OCCASIONS I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT BECAUSE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT INTO PASSING GEAR. ALSO WILL HAPPEN WHEN COMING UP TO A RED LIGHT THEN, LIGHT CHANGES TO GREEN AND YOU PRESS ACCELERATOR TO GO BUT CAR WILL HARDLY GO. I WAS BUMPED IN THE REAR BUMPER ONCE, LUCKILY NOT CAUSING ANY DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.I'VE ALSO BEEN IN MANY… Look up ODI 11010119 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	67.5% ODI 10204788 · 17,889 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKES FINALLY BEGAN TO OPERATE, THE ABS, COOLANT, AND ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,889. Look up ODI 10204788 at NHTSA ↗	36.7% ODI 10214154 · 3,200 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE UP A HILL IN ORDER TO STOP AND THEN PULLED INTO HIS DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,200. Look up ODI 10214154 at NHTSA ↗	210.5% ODI 10171851 · 4,000 mi MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 (2005), 4000 MILES. BRAKES FAILED. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE AN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER FAILURE OF SOME KIND. AUTO WAS SERVICED A WEEK AGO. HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL AND/ORL FEATURES FROM FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE. THE MOST DANGEROUS WAS TODAY'S BRAKE FAILURE. HAD TO PLACE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN IN PARK TO MAKE IT STOP. *NM Look up ODI 10171851 at NHTSA ↗	17.7% ODI 10299007 · 54,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH WERE ALL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ON 12-6-2009 I HAD A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. LUCKILY I WAS IN A STOPPED POSITION AND THE CAR STARTED MOVING FORWARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FULL PRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT WORK. MERCEDES BENZ OF GREENWAY PLAZA(HOUSTON) [phone removed] DID THE REPAIR. I WAS ADVISED BY KEVIN GRAVES(MY SERVICE ADVISOR) THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND ALL REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER A EXTENDED RECALL WARRANTY. ON 1-7-2010 THE EXAC… Look up ODI 10299007 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	29.1% ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	222.2% ODI 10411530 · 130,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MERCEDES-BENZ SL 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED UP TO 70 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS AND A SHATTERED SPINE. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT THE INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. Look up ODI 10411530 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.	45.0% ODI 10373136 · 87,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000. Look up ODI 10373136 at NHTSA ↗	12.2% ODI 10971540 "TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS) Look up ODI 10971540 at NHTSA ↗	15.3% ODI 10332577 · 7,800 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ SL-500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL AND CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO FLIP OVER,HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE ARM AND SHOULDER INJURIES. THE TWO VEHICLES HE CRASHED INTO WERE TOTALED AS WELL AS THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 7,800. UPDATED 8/4/10 CN UPDATED 08/09/10JB Look up ODI 10332577 at NHTSA ↗	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
Suspension	48,615–82,500 mi	60,000 mi	52	ODI 10272790 · 49,820 mi 2003 MERCEDES BENZ 500SL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR JUST DROPPED DOWN , THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED IT RUINED THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE THE CAR DOES NOT EVEN HAVE 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT'S HARD TO GET IT TOWED. IT IS VERY LOW AND IT CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT , THE FUNNY THING WAS THE NEXT DAY STARTED THE CAR UP THE CAR CAME UP BUT KNOWING MY UNDERCARRIAGE IS DESTROYED . I HAD COUPLE INCIDENTS HAPPEN TO MEN LUCK I WAS NOT ON THE FREEWAY. IT ALSO THROWS YOUR ALIGNMENT OUT. *TR Look up ODI 10272790 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10392937 · 60,000 mi VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MINOR LEAK OF PINK COLOR FLUID THAT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AS HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM. FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION, THE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABC TANDEM PUMP. THE LEAK GOT WORSE BY THE WEEK AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AFTER A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FLUID WAS BUILDING UP ON THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER A WEEK, THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER THE ENGINE AND THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE BOTTOMED OUT AND LITERALLY SUNK OVER THE FRONT LEFT AND REAR LEFT TIRES. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (WALNUT CRE… Look up ODI 10392937 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10409197 · 100,000 mi I HAVE HAD ONGOING / CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 SL 500 MODEL 230 ABC (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL) SYSTEM. THE RESULTING ISSUES OCCUR AT RANDOM AND WITH LITTLE CONSISTENCY. THE RESULTING EFFECT CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIVE SOFT ON SOME OCCASIONS AND RIGID ON OTHERS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AND REPORTED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. THUS FAR THERE SEEMS TO BE NO ONE WHO CAN PROPERLY AFFECT AND IMPROVE THE SITUATION. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 27, 2011 INQUIRING REGARDING A RE… Look up ODI 10409197 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	39,420–100,575 mi	58,100 mi	36	ODI 10317711 · 100,000 mi ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION IS DEGRADING ON WIRING HARNESS(S) IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE OR SERVE PROPERTY LOSS. I FEEL MERCEDES SHOULD PROVIDE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THESE WIRING HARNESS'S ON AFFECTED MODEL SL500, YEARS 1991 THRU 1996 REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE. TR Look up ODI 10317711 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10317729 · 60,000 mi WIRING INSULATION BREAKING DOWN IN THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE CONTROLS CAUSING DAMAGE INSULATION HAS COME OFF AND WIRES BARE AND TOUCHING . TR Look up ODI 10317729 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10762699 · 55,000 mi BAD WIRING HARNESS. INSULATION DANGEROUSLY DEGRADED WITHIN SHEATHING, CAUSING A SHORT IN MY ENGINE. THIS SHOULD BE A MERCEDES RECALL WITH PARTS AND LABOR REPAIRS PAID BY MERCEDES. THIS PROBLEM IS AS SERIOUS AS THE RECENT IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A MULTIPLE FATALITY WRECK. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP! Look up ODI 10762699 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	60,750–104,420 mi	85,999 mi	24	ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10716917 · 153,000 mi DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE DIES. CAR BECOMES DEAD, VERY DANGEROUS , AT NIGHT MIDDLE LANE OF PACIFIC COAST HWY. CANT USE BREAKS, EVERYTHING IS DEAD! CANT STEER NOTHING. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWICE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY, THATS A PROBLEM, ENDANGERING ME AND EVERYONE AROUND. THIS IS NUTS BECAUSE I PRIDE MYSELF ON KEEPING MY CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE ALWAYS AND THIS IS UNDETECTABLE . BUT EXPENSIVE TO TRY AND FIND OUT UNTIL I SAW THAT 800 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD … Look up ODI 10716917 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10561822 · 47,000 mi WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING "SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC". MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT. HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT DID HAVE A RECALL ON IT, BUT IT EXPIRED IN JULY LAST YEAR, JUST MY LUCK. SO I GOOGLED IT AND HAVE NOW FOUND TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE! HOW CAN THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LEGALLY ALLOW MERCEDES BENZ TO CONTIN… Look up ODI 10561822 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	42,945–131,000 mi	87,500 mi	15	ODI 11301295 · 194,000 mi ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NEAR DRIVERS FIREWALL. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER STRONG FUEL VAPORS REMAINED. ORIGIN OF FIRE UNKNOWN. I SUBMITTED A REPORT FOR MY 1999 MERCEDES WHICH CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE HOOD INSULATION FALLING ONTO THE HOT MANIFOLD IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA. Look up ODI 11301295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10511697 · 43,890 mi WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE … Look up ODI 10511697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10966708 · 145,000 mi I HAVE 1995 SL500 LAST 8 YEARS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, RELATED TO WIRING HARNESS ,MISFIRE ,STEERING PUMP,AIR PUMP AND MORE. I AM THE FIRST OWNER.ALL THE WIRES ARE DETERIORATING,I THNIK WE NEED NHTSA TO INSPECT THESE CAR MANUFACTURERS.IF MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE FAULTY WIRING THEY SHOULD STAND UP AND OFFER REPAIRS AT THE MERCEDES DEALERS.FREE. REGARDS Look up ODI 10966708 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel System, Gasoline	54,215–85,000 mi	68,870 mi	12	ODI 10226101 · 44,000 mi 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 - BAFFLE BREAKS FREE WITHIN GAS TANK SEEMINGLY CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. MERCEDES DOES NOT REPLACE THE TANK FOR FREE IN ALL CASES. GAS TANK NEEDED REPLACED. TR Look up ODI 10226101 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10240914 · 65,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRUNK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BAFFLES IN THE GAS TANK FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE RATTLING IN THE GAS TANK. THE GAS TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. HE BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000… Look up ODI 10240914 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10318907 · 70,739 mi MERCEDES-BENZ BUILT BAFFLES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK TO PREVENT FUEL SLOSHING NOISE DURING STOP AND GO MOTION. THESE BAFFLES WERE POORLY DESIGNED AND WEAKLY WELDED INTO PLACE RESULTING IN THEM COMING LOOSE AND BANGING AROUND INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. BEING A SMALL CONVERTIBLE AND GIVEN THAT FUEL TANK IS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, END RESULT IS A VERY LOUD BANGING NOISE MAKING DRIVING A SLOW TORTURE. ASIDE FROM IRRITATING LOUD BANGING NOISE THERE IS ALSO A POTENTIAL OF EXPLOSION SINCE THIS IS A MOVING METAL PART INSIDE A METAL FUEL TANK C… Look up ODI 10318907 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	49,909–76,000 mi	60,000 mi	9	ODI 10161078 · 25,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVETRAIN IS LEAPING AS THE CAR STARTS AND AS YOU START TO SHIFT. NO ACCIDENTS THAT LED UP TO THIS AND THE DEALER HAS LOOKED AT IT SEVERAL (UNKNOWN QUANITY) TIMES. THE POWERTRAIN SEEMS TO BE SENDING POWER FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK OF THE CAR TOO QUICKLY AND THIS COULD LEAD TO FUTURE FAILURES AND A SAFETY RISK. Look up ODI 10161078 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10394283 · 65,000 mi OUR 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 BECAME STUCK IN PARK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK DESPITE A VARIETY OF RECOMMENDED ATTEMPTS (TURNING KEY TO ON BUT NOT STARTING AND PUMPING BRAKES, ETC.). IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR ABOUT $1300. FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND MAY BE DUE TO A SINGLE PLASTIC PART IN THE SHIFTER WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (INTERLOCK?). APPARENTLY THE REPLACEMENT PART IS HEAVIER DUTY - MAY BE ALUMINUM NOT PLASTIC… Look up ODI 10394283 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10418431 · 49,909 mi GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM STUCK IN PARK. CAN NOT SHIFT GEARS OR CAN NOT MOVE CAR CREATING A DANGEROUS POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR Look up ODI 10418431 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	29,945–89,400 mi	57,000 mi	11	ODI 10204788 · 17,889 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKES FINALLY BEGAN TO OPERATE, THE ABS, COOLANT, AND ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,889. Look up ODI 10204788 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10353754 · 42,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, IT ABNORMALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE. THERE WAS FIVE PERCENT BRAKING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL PUMP. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON ISSUE. … Look up ODI 10353754 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10353813 · 57,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE ABS SWITCH SEAL AND ADDED SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC FLUID TO THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALER AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL MUCH FARTHER INTO THE FLOORBOARD THAN USUAL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SLIGHTLY CRASHED … Look up ODI 10353813 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	60,455–132,500 mi	87,000 mi	7	ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10411530 · 130,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MERCEDES-BENZ SL 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED UP TO 70 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS AND A SHATTERED SPINE. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO TREAT THE INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. Look up ODI 10411530 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11301461 · 209,000 mi VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 209K MILES. SUNDAY 1/19/20 DRIVING WB ON MONTAUK HIGHWAY (NYS 27A?) AT QUOGUE NY. SPEED APPROX. 35-40 MPH. SLIGHT TURN/BEND IN ROAD TO THE RIGHT. SUNNY, DRY PAVEMENT. NO OTHER CARS FOLLOWING OR AHEAD, EITHER DIRECTION. VERY LOUD BANG HEARD INSIDE CABIN, BOTH SEATBELTS IMMEDIATELY TIGHTENED AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FELT STRONG AIR BLAST; THAT EACH DESCRIBED AS BEING HIT IN CHEST. SOUND/AIRBLAST FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A BURNING/GUNPOWDER SMELL AND SLIGHT WHITE SMOKE IN CABIN. SRS LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WENT ON. PULLED … Look up ODI 11301461 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	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	1	None	ODI 11691658 The contact owns a 1999 N/A Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact purchased the rear brake rotors and pads from R1 Concepts, who sells auto parts on Amazon. When the contact installed the brake parts, the rotors could not be adjusted since the rotors were missing the opening that needed to be pre-drilled. The contact stated that when the rear brakes were adjusted, the defect was found. In addition, the contact stated that while parking the vehicle and setting the parking brake, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated … Look up ODI 11691658 at NHTSA ↗
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	1	None	ODI 11713126 Question 1: The Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) unit, which is a high-pressure "brake-by-wire" hydraulic system. Component A7/3. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. Question 2: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of hydraulic brake pressure while in operation. This failure required extreme physical force on the pedal and significant increase in stopping distance. The vehicle is currently in my garage with chocked wheels until I figure out what's next. A couple days ago, I had the… Look up ODI 11713126 at NHTSA ↗
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	1	None	ODI 11754971 · 62,800 mi The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Brakes Reached Historic Threshold" was displayed, which indicated that the brake control unit had malfunctioned. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was spongy, causing the stopping distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with brake control unit failure. The contact was informed that the brake control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Th… Look up ODI 11754971 at NHTSA ↗
2026-09 (partial)	0	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

2006: 3 complaints · 2009: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2006	3	3	3
2009	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
2006	13	0	0
2009	2	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	Suspension	Electrical System	Service Brakes	Fuel/Propulsion System	Fuel System, Gasoline	Power Train	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Air Bags
Suspension	—	5 ODI 10533469 · 56,200 mi ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR COMPLAINT FILED 8/3/2013. RECALL INFORMATION DETERMINED FROM: HTTP://WWW.INTELLICHOICE.COM/1-12-2003-9821-20/2003-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL500-ROADSTER-2DR-CONVERTIBLE-RECALLS.HTML. RECALL 03 - ID # 08V405000 - SUSPENSION MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008080004 NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET AS WELL AS NTHSA WEB SITE WITH SEARCH KEYWORDS "ABC", "ACTIVE BODY CONTROL", "SUSPENSION" TO INCLUDE: DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED: AUG 14, 2007 DATE INVESTIGATION CLOSED: NOV 20, 2007 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE07042 COMPO… Look up ODI 10533469 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10660341 · 45,000 mi STARTED CAR AND GOT MESSAGE: "ABC MALFUNCTION, CAR TOO LOW". IN ACTUALITY, CAR ELEVATED. THE RIDE OF THE CAR HAS CHANGED. IT HAS A SOFT AND FLOATY FEELING COMPARED TO ITS NORMAL STIFFER RIDE. I HAVE SEEN THE ABOVE COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET MULTIPLE TIMES. IT SEEMS THIS IS A WIDE PROBLEM. I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY RECALLS FROM MERCEDES. *TR Look up ODI 10660341 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10862721 · 84,000 mi I WAS DRIVING AN 03 SL500 AND FROM THE START THE BATTERY LIGHT (WHITE STAYED ON) REPLACED BOTH FRONT AND BACK BATTERY AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR, NOW THE RED BATTERY LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. ON LAST NIGHT, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A POP, CAR DROPPED AND WARNING CAME ON SAYING CAR WAS TOO LOW AND FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOOK LIKE BY THE FRONT WHEEL. MECHANIC DID A LOT OF GUESSING AND STILL NOT FIXED. Look up ODI 10862721 at NHTSA ↗	5 ODI 10811199 · 87,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED AND LEAKED FLUIDS AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. Look up ODI 10811199 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10811960 · 86,998 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SCRAPE THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THA… Look up ODI 10811960 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11142891 DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION OR FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY DEFAULT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE. IN THE BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SSC PUMP UNIT IN CERTAIN SL MODELS. THE ME… Look up ODI 11142891 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10936250 · 55,620 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING INTO THE GARAGE, THE ABC PUMP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF HYDRAULIC FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR AXLE VALVE LOCK, AND PRESSURE RESERVOIR FOR THE ABC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AND FLUSHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (SUSPENSION, ENGINE AND… Look up ODI 10936250 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10692747 · 55,000 mi ABC SYSTEM FAILURE. TR Look up ODI 10692747 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11430048 It has been nearly two years I have stopped driving my 2003 Mercedes SL500, although I only have about 80,000 miles on the car. This is due to ABC warning light(red display: please drive carefully)comes on intermittently and the car drives very bouncy and it feels the car has no shocks, definitely feeling it would be unsafe to drive. The diagnostic message comes up saying "visit workshop". This is the third time this ABC pump issue is stopping me from driving the car, since it first appeared when I had 29,000 miles on the car which was under ma… Look up ODI 11430048 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669798 · 76,000 mi THE ABC VEHICLE HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED THE CAR TO DROP VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE, HOWEVER AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT, THEN RE STARTING THE CAR WENT UP TO ITS NORMAL HEIGHT, WHAT IF I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY? TR Look up ODI 10669798 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10940037 · 116,578 mi I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 AND REPLACED THE HYDRAULIC PUMP IN 2014 FOR $6400.00. THE CAR WOULD DROP LOW (ON ONE SIDE IF PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS). TODAY, JANUARY 5, 2017 - THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING, I HEARD A LOUD BURSTING SOUND AND THEN HYDRAULIC FLUID BEGAN SEEPING OUT ALSO, THE ABC RED DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE CAR IS "TOO LOW TO DRIVE". I MANAGED TO SLOWLY DRIVE HOME (WITHOUT POWER STEERING). THIS IS A HUGE DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ TECHNOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING - A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS ABSO… Look up ODI 10940037 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10920135 · 71,000 mi SUSPENSION DROPS OVERNIGHT AND HAS DROPPED WHILE IN MOTION ON THE EXPRESSWAY. RED WARNING TO LIMIT SPEED CONSTANTLY COMES ON ESPECIALLY IF LOW ON FLUID AND ON BUMPS. THE DEALER CANNOT ISOLATE THE CAUSE OF PRESSURE OR EXCESSIVE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS. FRONT BUMPER DAMAGED AS A RESULT. OVER $8000.00 SPENT AND PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED. NO CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR UNLESS THE SUPPLY OF FLUID IS CARRIED IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. DEALER WANTED $16,000.00 TO DIAGNOSE AND POSSIBLY REPAIR BUT OFFERED NO WARRANTY FOR WORK. Look up ODI 10920135 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11061280 ABC AND CONVERTIBLE ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AS ITS SUPPOSED, WHILE THE CAR NOT BENN DRING NOR USING THE FEATURES. THE KEYLESS REMOTE KEY ENTRY IS NOT WORKING! Look up ODI 11061280 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10971540 "TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS) Look up ODI 10971540 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	5 ODI 10533469 · 56,200 mi ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR COMPLAINT FILED 8/3/2013. RECALL INFORMATION DETERMINED FROM: HTTP://WWW.INTELLICHOICE.COM/1-12-2003-9821-20/2003-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL500-ROADSTER-2DR-CONVERTIBLE-RECALLS.HTML. RECALL 03 - ID # 08V405000 - SUSPENSION MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008080004 NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET AS WELL AS NTHSA WEB SITE WITH SEARCH KEYWORDS "ABC", "ACTIVE BODY CONTROL", "SUSPENSION" TO INCLUDE: DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED: AUG 14, 2007 DATE INVESTIGATION CLOSED: NOV 20, 2007 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE07042 COMPO… Look up ODI 10533469 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10660341 · 45,000 mi STARTED CAR AND GOT MESSAGE: "ABC MALFUNCTION, CAR TOO LOW". IN ACTUALITY, CAR ELEVATED. THE RIDE OF THE CAR HAS CHANGED. IT HAS A SOFT AND FLOATY FEELING COMPARED TO ITS NORMAL STIFFER RIDE. I HAVE SEEN THE ABOVE COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET MULTIPLE TIMES. IT SEEMS THIS IS A WIDE PROBLEM. I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY RECALLS FROM MERCEDES. *TR Look up ODI 10660341 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10862721 · 84,000 mi I WAS DRIVING AN 03 SL500 AND FROM THE START THE BATTERY LIGHT (WHITE STAYED ON) REPLACED BOTH FRONT AND BACK BATTERY AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR, NOW THE RED BATTERY LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON. ON LAST NIGHT, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A POP, CAR DROPPED AND WARNING CAME ON SAYING CAR WAS TOO LOW AND FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOOK LIKE BY THE FRONT WHEEL. MECHANIC DID A LOT OF GUESSING AND STILL NOT FIXED. Look up ODI 10862721 at NHTSA ↗	—	3 ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10561822 · 47,000 mi WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING "SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC". MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT. HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT DID HAVE A RECALL ON IT, BUT IT EXPIRED IN JULY LAST YEAR, JUST MY LUCK. SO I GOOGLED IT AND HAVE NOW FOUND TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE! HOW CAN THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LEGALLY ALLOW MERCEDES BENZ TO CONTIN… Look up ODI 10561822 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 11301295 · 194,000 mi ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NEAR DRIVERS FIREWALL. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER STRONG FUEL VAPORS REMAINED. ORIGIN OF FIRE UNKNOWN. I SUBMITTED A REPORT FOR MY 1999 MERCEDES WHICH CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE HOOD INSULATION FALLING ONTO THE HOT MANIFOLD IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA. Look up ODI 11301295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10511697 · 43,890 mi WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE … Look up ODI 10511697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10724745 CAR IMMEDIATELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. DRIVING VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO STALL. WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. WAS LATER ABLE TO JUMP START VEHICLE, HOWEVER STILL HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING AND NO ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN INFORMED IT IS A "HARNESS WIRING ISSUE". Look up ODI 10724745 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	3 ODI 10604251 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE FATAL FLAW IN VEHICLE. SMD THE CONSUMER STATED, AS HE WAS BACKING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THEY FAILED. A RED LIGHT AND A SIGN INSTRUCTED HIM TO OBTAIN IMMEDIATE SERVICE. THE MECHANIC, KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. AT THE MECHANIC'S SUGGESTED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS THERE FOR A FEW DAYS, THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY HAD DIED. IT WAS A SECONDA… Look up ODI 10604251 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10171851 · 4,000 mi MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 (2005), 4000 MILES. BRAKES FAILED. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE AN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER FAILURE OF SOME KIND. AUTO WAS SERVICED A WEEK AGO. HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL AND/ORL FEATURES FROM FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE. THE MOST DANGEROUS WAS TODAY'S BRAKE FAILURE. HAD TO PLACE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN IN PARK TO MAKE IT STOP. NM Look up ODI 10171851 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11162777 CAR CAN HARDLY RUN--WITHOUT STALLING-HARD TO START MERCEDES DEALER SAID TO SELL IT BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS. Look up ODI 11162777 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10971540 "TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS) Look up ODI 10971540 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	5 ODI 10811199 · 87,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED AND LEAKED FLUIDS AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. Look up ODI 10811199 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10811960 · 86,998 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SCRAPE THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THA… Look up ODI 10811960 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11142891 DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION OR FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY DEFAULT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE. IN THE BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SSC PUMP UNIT IN CERTAIN SL MODELS. THE ME… Look up ODI 11142891 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10561822 · 47,000 mi WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THE DASH LIGHTS UP RED SAYING "SERVICE BRAKES, STOP VEHICLE, ETC". MY MECHANIC LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES AND COULD NOT FIX IT. HE CALLED MERCEDES OF TALLAHASSEE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT DID HAVE A RECALL ON IT, BUT IT EXPIRED IN JULY LAST YEAR, JUST MY LUCK. SO I GOOGLED IT AND HAVE NOW FOUND TONS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE! HOW CAN THE VEHICLE SAFETY ADMINISTRATION LEGALLY ALLOW MERCEDES BENZ TO CONTIN… Look up ODI 10561822 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10716917 · 153,000 mi DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE DIES. CAR BECOMES DEAD, VERY DANGEROUS , AT NIGHT MIDDLE LANE OF PACIFIC COAST HWY. CANT USE BREAKS, EVERYTHING IS DEAD! CANT STEER NOTHING. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWICE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY, THATS A PROBLEM, ENDANGERING ME AND EVERYONE AROUND. THIS IS NUTS BECAUSE I PRIDE MYSELF ON KEEPING MY CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE ALWAYS AND THIS IS UNDETECTABLE . BUT EXPENSIVE TO TRY AND FIND OUT UNTIL I SAW THAT 800 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD … Look up ODI 10716917 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10806211 · 116,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE WARNING MESSAGE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 02/19/16LJ UPDATED 02/22/16.JB Look up ODI 10806211 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	4 ODI 11301295 · 194,000 mi ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NEAR DRIVERS FIREWALL. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER STRONG FUEL VAPORS REMAINED. ORIGIN OF FIRE UNKNOWN. I SUBMITTED A REPORT FOR MY 1999 MERCEDES WHICH CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE HOOD INSULATION FALLING ONTO THE HOT MANIFOLD IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA. Look up ODI 11301295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10511697 · 43,890 mi WAS DRIVING CAR AND ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE, STUMBLE AND LOSE POWER AS I WAS CROSSING TRAFFIC INTO A SIDE ROAD. ALMOST WAS HIT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A LARGE TRUCK THAT WAS MOVING AT ME AT OVER 50MPH. I HAD LEFT PLENTY OF TIME/SPACE TO DO THIS CROSSING PROPERLY. HOWEVER, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT MID WAY ACROSS AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN A TIMELY MANNER.. ENGINE GOT SLIGHT SURGE JUST IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO LIMP HOME. STARTED IT UP A FEW LATER AND RAN FINE … Look up ODI 10511697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10724745 CAR IMMEDIATELY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. DRIVING VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO STALL. WAS NOT ABLE TO EVEN PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. WAS LATER ABLE TO JUMP START VEHICLE, HOWEVER STILL HAD ISSUES WITH STALLING AND NO ACCELERATION. HAVE BEEN INFORMED IT IS A "HARNESS WIRING ISSUE". Look up ODI 10724745 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10716917 · 153,000 mi DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE DIES. CAR BECOMES DEAD, VERY DANGEROUS , AT NIGHT MIDDLE LANE OF PACIFIC COAST HWY. CANT USE BREAKS, EVERYTHING IS DEAD! CANT STEER NOTHING. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE TWICE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY, THATS A PROBLEM, ENDANGERING ME AND EVERYONE AROUND. THIS IS NUTS BECAUSE I PRIDE MYSELF ON KEEPING MY CAR IN TIP TOP SHAPE ALWAYS AND THIS IS UNDETECTABLE . BUT EXPENSIVE TO TRY AND FIND OUT UNTIL I SAW THAT 800 OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD … Look up ODI 10716917 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline	1 ODI 10936250 · 55,620 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING INTO THE GARAGE, THE ABC PUMP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF HYDRAULIC FLUID ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR AXLE VALVE LOCK, AND PRESSURE RESERVOIR FOR THE ABC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AND FLUSHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V263000 (SUSPENSION, ENGINE AND… Look up ODI 10936250 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train	4 ODI 10692747 · 55,000 mi ABC SYSTEM FAILURE. TR Look up ODI 10692747 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11430048 It has been nearly two years I have stopped driving my 2003 Mercedes SL500, although I only have about 80,000 miles on the car. This is due to ABC warning light(red display: please drive carefully)comes on intermittently and the car drives very bouncy and it feels the car has no shocks, definitely feeling it would be unsafe to drive. The diagnostic message comes up saying "visit workshop". This is the third time this ABC pump issue is stopping me from driving the car, since it first appeared when I had 29,000 miles on the car which was under ma… Look up ODI 11430048 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669798 · 76,000 mi THE ABC VEHICLE HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED THE CAR TO DROP VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE, HOWEVER AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT, THEN RE STARTING THE CAR WENT UP TO ITS NORMAL HEIGHT, WHAT IF I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY? TR Look up ODI 10669798 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2 ODI 10940037 · 116,578 mi I OWN A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 AND REPLACED THE HYDRAULIC PUMP IN 2014 FOR $6400.00. THE CAR WOULD DROP LOW (ON ONE SIDE IF PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS). TODAY, JANUARY 5, 2017 - THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING, I HEARD A LOUD BURSTING SOUND AND THEN HYDRAULIC FLUID BEGAN SEEPING OUT ALSO, THE ABC RED DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THE CAR IS "TOO LOW TO DRIVE". I MANAGED TO SLOWLY DRIVE HOME (WITHOUT POWER STEERING). THIS IS A HUGE DEFECT IN MERCEDES BENZ TECHNOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING - A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS ABSO… Look up ODI 10940037 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10604251 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE FATAL FLAW IN VEHICLE. SMD THE CONSUMER STATED, AS HE WAS BACKING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THEY FAILED. A RED LIGHT AND A SIGN INSTRUCTED HIM TO OBTAIN IMMEDIATE SERVICE. THE MECHANIC, KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. AT THE MECHANIC'S SUGGESTED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS THERE FOR A FEW DAYS, THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY HAD DIED. IT WAS A SECONDA… Look up ODI 10604251 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10171851 · 4,000 mi MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 (2005), 4000 MILES. BRAKES FAILED. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE AN ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER FAILURE OF SOME KIND. AUTO WAS SERVICED A WEEK AGO. HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL AND/ORL FEATURES FROM FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE. THE MOST DANGEROUS WAS TODAY'S BRAKE FAILURE. HAD TO PLACE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN IN PARK TO MAKE IT STOP. NM Look up ODI 10171851 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 11173505 · 61,000 mi I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT B… Look up ODI 11173505 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10806211 · 116,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE WARNING MESSAGE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 02/19/16LJ UPDATED 02/22/16.JB Look up ODI 10806211 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Air Bags	3 ODI 10920135 · 71,000 mi SUSPENSION DROPS OVERNIGHT AND HAS DROPPED WHILE IN MOTION ON THE EXPRESSWAY. RED WARNING TO LIMIT SPEED CONSTANTLY COMES ON ESPECIALLY IF LOW ON FLUID AND ON BUMPS. THE DEALER CANNOT ISOLATE THE CAUSE OF PRESSURE OR EXCESSIVE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKS. FRONT BUMPER DAMAGED AS A RESULT. OVER $8000.00 SPENT AND PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED. NO CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR UNLESS THE SUPPLY OF FLUID IS CARRIED IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. DEALER WANTED $16,000.00 TO DIAGNOSE AND POSSIBLY REPAIR BUT OFFERED NO WARRANTY FOR WORK. Look up ODI 10920135 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11061280 ABC AND CONVERTIBLE ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AS ITS SUPPOSED, WHILE THE CAR NOT BENN DRING NOR USING THE FEATURES. THE KEYLESS REMOTE KEY ENTRY IS NOT WORKING! Look up ODI 11061280 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10971540 "TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS) Look up ODI 10971540 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11162777 CAR CAN HARDLY RUN--WITHOUT STALLING-HARD TO START MERCEDES DEALER SAID TO SELL IT BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS. Look up ODI 11162777 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10971540 "TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS) Look up ODI 10971540 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10920297 · 135,000 mi MERCEDES BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS 1993 ' 1995 CAR DOES NOT RUN CORRECT Look up ODI 10920297 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

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

26 mentions · 11.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 66,996 mi (22 usable records).

ODI 10164920 · 104,001 mi

HFM & OTHER WIRING HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED TO MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS SINCE NEW. DETERIORATED WIRING HARNESS CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, IGNITION MALFUNCTIONS, ELECTRICAL SHORTS OCCUR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WIRE INSULATION / COATINGS ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT UP TO THE TASK. THIS IS DANGEROUS SITUATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10164920 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10175348 · 65,992 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESSES HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE WITH SUCH WIRING CONDITIONS. THE REPAIR WAS RATHER EXPENSIVE AND WAS COVERED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET FOR THE SAME DEFECT HOWEVER; NO RECALL HAD BEEN CONDUCTED YET. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALERSHI…

Look up ODI 10175348 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10730969 · 98,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE HARNESS MELTED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEH…

Look up ODI 10730969 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

19 mentions · 8.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (15 usable records).

ODI 11691658

The contact owns a 1999 N/A Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact purchased the rear brake rotors and pads from R1 Concepts, who sells auto parts on Amazon. When the contact installed the brake parts, the rotors could not be adjusted since the rotors were missing the opening that needed to be pre-drilled. The contact stated that when the rear brakes were adjusted, the defect was found. In addition, the contact stated that while parking the vehicle and setting the parking brake, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated …

Look up ODI 11691658 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10204788 · 17,889 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THE BRAKES FINALLY BEGAN TO OPERATE, THE ABS, COOLANT, AND ESP LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,889.

Look up ODI 10204788 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10353754 · 42,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, IT ABNORMALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE. THERE WAS FIVE PERCENT BRAKING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL PUMP. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON ISSUE. …

Look up ODI 10353754 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

12 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,000 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10924326 · 90,000 mi

Look up ODI 10924326 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10172352 · 119,750 mi

Look up ODI 10172352 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10226361 · 563,000 mi

MY 1995 SL500 RECENTLY LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY ALTERNATOR BUT, WHILE THE MB DEALERSHIP WAS LOOKING THE CAR OVER, THE EA WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE DEGRADED IN SEVERAL PLACES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH ALSO INVOLVED REPLACING THE EA CONTROL UNIT AND THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATOR. THESE PARTS APPARENTLY COME AS KIT FOR ABOUT $4,000.00! I OPTED TO NOT HAVE THAT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME BUT, I WILL BE HAVING IT REPAIRED VERY VERY SOON! IT IS QUITE REMARKABLE THAT A BIODEGRADABL…

Look up ODI 10226361 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

8 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10513085 · 103,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THESE HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATING. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, NO POWER STEERING, NO NOTHING ON A FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. MERCEDES AND THE DEALERSHIPS BOTH KNOW THAT VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE HARNESS ARE DEATH TRAPS. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN KILLED, BUT WIRING HARNESS WAS NEVER INVESTIGATED AS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT. WHY ARE YOU NOT TAKING ACTION AGAINST MERCEDES? EVERY VEHICLE STILL ON THE ROAD SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IF IT HAS A BIO…

Look up ODI 10513085 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10522165 · 137,452 mi

WIRING INSULATION FOR LIGHTS AND POWER STEERING DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING MASSIVE SHORTS IN MULTIPLE SYSTEMS, DRAINING THE BATTERY AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I MANEUVERED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ONTO AN OFF RAMP THAT PROVIDED A SAFE EXIT FROM THE 6 LANE BELTWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED. TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, POWER STEERING, HALF OF THE INSTRUMENTS (INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER), BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM ARE INOPERABLE DUE TO BARE WIRES SHORTING OUT THE WIRING HARNESSES. ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS BEGINS WITH …

Look up ODI 10522165 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10392937 · 60,000 mi

VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MINOR LEAK OF PINK COLOR FLUID THAT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AS HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM. FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION, THE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABC TANDEM PUMP. THE LEAK GOT WORSE BY THE WEEK AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AFTER A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FLUID WAS BUILDING UP ON THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER A WEEK, THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER THE ENGINE AND THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE BOTTOMED OUT AND LITERALLY SUNK OVER THE FRONT LEFT AND REAR LEFT TIRES. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (WALNUT CRE…

Look up ODI 10392937 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b