U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz SL550 brakes problems

16 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

36 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

25,298 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 to 2009 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

16 of 36 complaints match this topic (44.4%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10573543 · 2014-03-19 (March 19, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SATISFIED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,679.

Owner-reported narrative. 24,679 miles reported. Look up ODI 10573543 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10263273 · 2009-03-27 (March 27, 2009)

DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND ROTORS ON MERCEDES S550 WEAR AT UNACCEPTABLE RATE RESULTING IN THE MERCEDES BENZ OF SARASOTA SERVICE CENTER ADVISING THE S550 IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 25,298 miles reported. Look up ODI 10263273 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10496498 · 2013-02-05 (February 5, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES CL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300 YARDS WHEN A LOUD POP WAS HEARD UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THIS HAPPENED 3 WEEKS AFTER THE DEALER SAID THAT THE ABS SUSPENSION UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT JUST AS THEY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THERE WAS ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED AT THE SHOCK UNDER THE WHEEL BASE OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPART…

Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10496498 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10554964 · 2013-12-05 (December 5, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM EXPERIENCED A TOTAL FAILURE. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10554964 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10671361 · 2015-01-09 (January 9, 2015)

ALMOST EXACTLY ONE YEAR AFTER DEALERSHIP "FIXED" THE SAME PROBLEM, THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE TOTALLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE IN 2013, I WAS ASSURED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I WAS VERY RETICENT, BUT DROVE THE CARE AGAIN. HOWEVER, BASED ON THE SECOND TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE IS WORTHLESS. MERCEDES BENZ SAYS THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS THE SAME ASSURANCE THEY GAVE ME THE FIRST TIME. THE CAR IS 2007 SL 550 WITH APPROXIMATELY 60K MILES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10671361 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

69.4%Usable mileage25 / 36 records

100.0%Valid incident date36 / 36 records

100.0%Valid filing date36 / 36 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates36 / 36 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	2007	2008	2009
Service Brakes	1100.0% ODI 10573543 · 24,679 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SATISFIED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,679. Look up ODI 10573543 at NHTSA ↗	637.5% ODI 10554964 · 57,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM EXPERIENCED A TOTAL FAILURE. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. Look up ODI 10554964 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 11052492 · 57,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH, AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNINGS OF BRAKE FAILURE. NO BRAKING AVAILABLE OTHER THAN TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT FOR ENGINE BRAKING. Look up ODI 11052492 at NHTSA ↗	533.3% ODI 11455468 The brake handle popped off for parking brake Look up ODI 11455468 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	318.8% ODI 11035483 · 19,000 mi COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER... FUEL GAUGE / ODOMETER / SPEED / TACHOMETER / TURNING SIGNALS / TEMPERATURE Look up ODI 11035483 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	320.0% ODI 10700587 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. WHILE TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND ALL OF THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER'S THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED ONCE THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10700587 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	212.5% ODI 10263273 · 25,298 mi DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND ROTORS ON MERCEDES S550 WEAR AT UNACCEPTABLE RATE RESULTING IN THE MERCEDES BENZ OF SARASOTA SERVICE CENTER ADVISING THE S550 IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR Look up ODI 10263273 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR… Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 10450455 · 13,892 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BETWEEN 12/27/11 AND 12/28/11. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,892 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 15,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ UPDATED 04/09/12 THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT GRILL, BUMPER AND RETRACTABLE ROOF W… Look up ODI 10450455 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	426.7% ODI 10319393 · 1,000 mi I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE MARCH 2009 AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 11 TIRES AND 2 WHEELS AND HAVE HAD 3 WHEELS REPAIRED. THIS IS DUE TO LOW PROFILE TIRES WHICH DEVELOP BULGES. *TR Look up ODI 10319393 at NHTSA ↗
Wheels	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	426.7% ODI 10358122 · 9,660 mi UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW. *TR Look up ODI 10358122 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	16.3% ODI 11076437 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING BECAME DISABLED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND DISABLED THE ALARM SYSTEM FROM T… Look up ODI 11076437 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR… Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Body	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	16.3% ODI 11082147 THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON ITS OWN WHILE PARKED IN A LOCKED GARAGE. THE FIRE WAS IN THE TRUNK AND INVOLVED VARIOUS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS AND WIRING HARNESSES. THE CAR FILLED WITH DENSE SMOKE WHICH COATED EVERYTHING WITH THICK SOOT. THE SMOKED SEEPED INTO EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE CLOSED CONSOLE COMPARTMENT AND GLOVE COMPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THE FIRE ITSELF DID NOT SPREAD BECAUSE OF A LACK OF OXYGEN AS THE CAR WAS PARKED WITH TOP FOLDING METAL TOP UP AND THE WINDOWS CLOSED. THE FIRE OCCURRED ON FEB. 16, 2018, AND WAS NOT DISCOV… Look up ODI 11082147 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	16.7% ODI 10945750 · 92,000 mi MY CAR WAS PARKED AND I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AS I WAS SEATED IN DRIVER'S SEAT AND I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM HAS FAILED SUCH THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR WHICH PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. DESPITE BEING COVERED BY AN EXTENDED A MERCEDES CPO WARRANTY MERCEDES REFUSES TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS MANY MERCEDES MODELS INCLUDING THE R230 SL550. PART OF THE DOOR HANDLE ACTUATION MECHANISM IS MADE OF FRAGILE PLASTIC AND, OR NYLON THAT WEA… Look up ODI 10945750 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	212.5% ODI 10496498 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES CL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300 YARDS WHEN A LOUD POP WAS HEARD UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THIS HAPPENED 3 WEEKS AFTER THE DEALER SAID THAT THE ABS SUSPENSION UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT JUST AS THEY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THERE WAS ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED AT THE SHOCK UNDER THE WHEEL BASE OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPART… Look up ODI 10496498 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
Service Brakes	40,175–63,771 mi	57,000 mi	8	ODI 10573543 · 24,679 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SATISFIED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,679. Look up ODI 10573543 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10554964 · 57,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM EXPERIENCED A TOTAL FAILURE. THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. Look up ODI 10554964 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10671361 · 60,000 mi ALMOST EXACTLY ONE YEAR AFTER DEALERSHIP "FIXED" THE SAME PROBLEM, THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE TOTALLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE IN 2013, I WAS ASSURED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I WAS VERY RETICENT, BUT DROVE THE CARE AGAIN. HOWEVER, BASED ON THE SECOND TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE IS WORTHLESS. MERCEDES BENZ SAYS THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS THE SAME ASSURANCE THEY GAVE ME THE FIRST TIME. THE CAR IS 2007 SL 550 WITH APPROXIMATELY 60K MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10671361 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	39,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11035483 · 19,000 mi COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER... FUEL GAUGE / ODOMETER / SPEED / TACHOMETER / TURNING SIGNALS / TEMPERATURE Look up ODI 11035483 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10700587 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. WHILE TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND ALL OF THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER'S THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED ONCE THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10700587 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	19,595 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10263273 · 25,298 mi DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND ROTORS ON MERCEDES S550 WEAR AT UNACCEPTABLE RATE RESULTING IN THE MERCEDES BENZ OF SARASOTA SERVICE CENTER ADVISING THE S550 IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TR Look up ODI 10263273 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10339966 · 10,500 mi POWER ASSIST HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILED. TR Look up ODI 10339966 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR… Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	7,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10319393 · 1,000 mi I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE MARCH 2009 AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 11 TIRES AND 2 WHEELS AND HAVE HAD 3 WHEELS REPAIRED. THIS IS DUE TO LOW PROFILE TIRES WHICH DEVELOP BULGES. TR Look up ODI 10319393 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10358122 · 9,660 mi UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW. TR Look up ODI 10358122 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10390176 · 7,500 mi PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. *TR Look up ODI 10390176 at NHTSA ↗
Wheels	Too few reports for a range	7,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10358122 · 9,660 mi UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW. TR Look up ODI 10358122 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10389952 · 2,595 mi AT 2595 MILES,I NEEDED TO REPLACE 3 TIRES AND REPAIR 2 RIMS ON MY 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550;AT 7400 MILES,ANOTHER TIRE WITH A BULGE;AT 8000 MILES,3 MORE TIRES WITH BUBBLES...AWAITING MY SERVICE APPOINTMENT;AFAID TO DRIVE AND APPREHENSIVE TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FEAR OF LOSING COVERAGE.THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT-NO TIRE WARRANTY AND THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME IT IS ME! MY CAR IS JUST TWO YEARS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 8500 MILES ON IT.I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS MAKE/MODEL FOR 23 YEARS WITH NO PRIOR INCIDENT. THIS CAR WILL HAVE ITS … Look up ODI 10389952 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10390176 · 7,500 mi PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. TR Look up ODI 10390176 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	Too few reports for a range	54,275 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11076437 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING BECAME DISABLED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND DISABLED THE ALARM SYSTEM FROM T… Look up ODI 11076437 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR… Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Body	Too few reports for a range	92,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10945750 · 92,000 mi MY CAR WAS PARKED AND I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AS I WAS SEATED IN DRIVER'S SEAT AND I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM HAS FAILED SUCH THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR WHICH PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. DESPITE BEING COVERED BY AN EXTENDED A MERCEDES CPO WARRANTY MERCEDES REFUSES TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS MANY MERCEDES MODELS INCLUDING THE R230 SL550. PART OF THE DOOR HANDLE ACTUATION MECHANISM IS MADE OF FRAGILE PLASTIC AND, OR NYLON THAT WEA… Look up ODI 10945750 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	69,722 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10496498 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES CL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300 YARDS WHEN A LOUD POP WAS HEARD UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THIS HAPPENED 3 WEEKS AFTER THE DEALER SAID THAT THE ABS SUSPENSION UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT JUST AS THEY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THERE WAS ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED AT THE SHOCK UNDER THE WHEEL BASE OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPART… Look up ODI 10496498 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11484085 · 97,444 mi The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH on a slightly bumpy road, the message "ABC System Malfunction” was displayed. The vehicle started shuddering significantly and lost traction and stability control. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving at slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear suspension shocks and ABC system needed to be replaced. The dealer also diagnosed that other unknown repair needed to be comp… Look up ODI 11484085 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
2024-11	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	1	None	ODI 11642407 Complete brake failure while driving. No one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. Now the ABS and SRS lights on. Brake pedal to the floor. I completely have new brakes speed sensors fluid exchanges and more. The current recall doesn’t seem to cover my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and they said there are no open recalls. Look up ODI 11642407 at NHTSA ↗
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 11693184 I purchased this vehicle in a private sale in September 2025. The battery Warning light was on and the radio was not working either. I had the vehicle inspected by the Mercedes dealer and was told the batteries were being drained because the BCM (Battery Control Module) I was told there was nothing they can do because Mercedes discontinued the replacement parts. So I started to investigate the BCM issue in this model and come to find out when they go bad the vehicles will get on fire, many owners around the world have posted the burned BCM & ca… Look up ODI 11693184 at NHTSA ↗
2025-11	1	None	ODI 11701077 I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003–2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: • There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the BCM [Battery Control Module] is prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. • The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE – potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL… Look up ODI 11701077 at NHTSA ↗
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
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	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (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

2008: 1 complaints · 2009: 6 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	0	1	1
2009	1	3	6

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2008	4	0	0
2009	15	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	Service Brakes	Electrical System	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Tires	Wheels	Steering	Structure:Body	Suspension
Service Brakes	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11076437 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING BECAME DISABLED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND DISABLED THE ALARM SYSTEM FROM T… Look up ODI 11076437 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Electrical System	0	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 11082147 THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON ITS OWN WHILE PARKED IN A LOCKED GARAGE. THE FIRE WAS IN THE TRUNK AND INVOLVED VARIOUS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS AND WIRING HARNESSES. THE CAR FILLED WITH DENSE SMOKE WHICH COATED EVERYTHING WITH THICK SOOT. THE SMOKED SEEPED INTO EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE CLOSED CONSOLE COMPARTMENT AND GLOVE COMPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THE FIRE ITSELF DID NOT SPREAD BECAUSE OF A LACK OF OXYGEN AS THE CAR WAS PARKED WITH TOP FOLDING METAL TOP UP AND THE WINDOWS CLOSED. THE FIRE OCCURRED ON FEB. 16, 2018, AND WAS NOT DISCOV… Look up ODI 11082147 at NHTSA ↗	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR… Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Tires	0	0	0	—	3 ODI 10358122 · 9,660 mi UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW. TR Look up ODI 10358122 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10390176 · 7,500 mi PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. TR Look up ODI 10390176 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10390177 · 7,500 mi TIRE FAILURE--BULGING/RIM DAMAGE ;REPLACING THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 8500 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10390177 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Wheels	0	0	0	3 ODI 10358122 · 9,660 mi UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW. TR Look up ODI 10358122 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10390176 · 7,500 mi PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. TR Look up ODI 10390176 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10390177 · 7,500 mi TIRE FAILURE--BULGING/RIM DAMAGE ;REPLACING THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 8500 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10390177 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Steering	1 ODI 11076437 · 42,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING BECAME DISABLED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND DISABLED THE ALARM SYSTEM FROM T… Look up ODI 11076437 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR… Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Structure:Body	0	1 ODI 11082147 THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON ITS OWN WHILE PARKED IN A LOCKED GARAGE. THE FIRE WAS IN THE TRUNK AND INVOLVED VARIOUS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS AND WIRING HARNESSES. THE CAR FILLED WITH DENSE SMOKE WHICH COATED EVERYTHING WITH THICK SOOT. THE SMOKED SEEPED INTO EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE CLOSED CONSOLE COMPARTMENT AND GLOVE COMPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THE FIRE ITSELF DID NOT SPREAD BECAUSE OF A LACK OF OXYGEN AS THE CAR WAS PARKED WITH TOP FOLDING METAL TOP UP AND THE WINDOWS CLOSED. THE FIRE OCCURRED ON FEB. 16, 2018, AND WAS NOT DISCOV… Look up ODI 11082147 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0
Suspension	0	0	0	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

5 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

8 mentions · 22.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10554964 · 57,000 mi

Look up ODI 10554964 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11076437 · 42,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POWER STEERING BECAME DISABLED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND DISABLED THE ALARM SYSTEM FROM T…

Look up ODI 11076437 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10567227 · 66,550 mi

THE SUBJECT CAR, A 2008 MERCDES BENZ SL550, THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STARTED AND DRIVEN OUT OF THE GARAGE ON TO THE STREET, APPROXIMATELY 50 YARDS LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES 100% FAILED AND THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING STOP WORKING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP AND PLACING THE CAR IN PARK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE DASH BOARD FLASHED A STOP SIGN SYMBOL AND A MESSAGE THAT INCREASE PEDAL PRESSURE WOULD BE REQUIRED. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. AT FIR…

Look up ODI 10567227 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10437905 · 20,000 mi

THE INCIDENT I AM REPORTING IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE COMPLAINT I READ ON YOUR WEB PAGE. I WAS ENROUTE TO THE MERCEDES DEALER SHIP TO PURCHASE A SWITCH FOR MY ELECTRIC WINDOWS. I HAD NOTICED ENROUTE THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO NOT BE SHIFTING. I LOOKED DOWN TO SEE IF I HAD SOMEWAY MANUALLY SHIFTED DOWN. I HAD NOT AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE IT SEEMED I WAS IN SECOND GEAR. I WAS APPROX THREE BLOCKS FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I SLOWED TO ABOUT 20 MPH. I STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DEALERSHIP AND WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED--THE VEH…

Look up ODI 10437905 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10414657

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, THE RECURRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR STOPPED. DURING THE RECURRENCES, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10414657 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,700 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10692093 · 34,700 mi

FREQUENTLY AND INTERMITTENTLY (NOT EVERY TIME) WHEN I START MY CAR'S ENGINE, THE SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT AND "TAKE CAR TO SERVICE FACILITY" MESSAGE DISPLAY APPEAR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE SRS WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK, IRRESPECTIVE OF HOW THE WIPER CONTROLS ARE MANIPULATED (ONE SWIPE ... INTERMITTENT SWIPE ... SLOW SWIPE ... FAST SWIPE ... WINDSHIELD WASHER SQUIRTER). WHEN I TRY TURNING ON THE WIPERS WHILE THE SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, THE ROLL BAR MALFUNCTION ALERT …

Look up ODI 10692093 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11693184

I purchased this vehicle in a private sale in September 2025. The battery Warning light was on and the radio was not working either. I had the vehicle inspected by the Mercedes dealer and was told the batteries were being drained because the BCM (Battery Control Module) I was told there was nothing they can do because Mercedes discontinued the replacement parts. So I started to investigate the BCM issue in this model and come to find out when they go bad the vehicles will get on fire, many owners around the world have posted the burned BCM & ca…

Look up ODI 11693184 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 20,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10437905 · 20,000 mi

Look up ODI 10437905 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 42,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11076437 · 42,000 mi

Look up ODI 11076437 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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