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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1996–2013

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 31 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, covering model years 1996 to 2013. The 1998 model year drew the most complaints (12), and Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz SL-Class VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 7 recall campaigns on file
  • 31 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 10 model years with data (1996–2013)
  • most complaints: 1998 (12 for that model year)
  • top component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (7 complaints)
  • latest recall 12V478000 (reported Oct 1, 2012)
  • 2 complaints reporting a crash (6.5%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (3.2%)
  • 2 complaints reporting an injury (6.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaints by model year

7 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1998 model year has the most complaints: 12 of 31, or 38.7%. Next come 2003 (9) and 2004 (3). The fewest are for 2002, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1996–2005Column chart of 31 complaints across 10 model years. The highest is 1998 with 12. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1996: 2 complaints219961997: 2 complaints219971998: 12 complaints1219981999: 0 complaints19992000: 0 complaints20002001: 0 complaints20012002: 1 complaint120022003: 9 complaints920032004: 3 complaints320042005: 2 complaints22005
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199620000
199720010
1998120000
200210000
200391100
200430000
200521010
All model years312120

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz SL-Class components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often, in 7 complaints (22.6% of all 31), followed by Suspension (6) and Air Bags (4).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic722.6%
Suspension619.4%
Air Bags412.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling412.9%
Equipment412.9%
Structure412.9%
Visibility412.9%
Electrical System39.7%
Exterior Lighting39.7%
Fuel System, Gasoline26.5%
Fuel System, Other26.5%
Power Train26.5%
Tires26.5%
Vehicle Speed Control26.5%
Back Over Prevention13.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class recalls

7 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name SL-Class, newest first. The 7 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2013. The 2003 and 2004 model years appear in the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 7 recall campaigns
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1996: 2 campaigns1997: 1 campaign1998: no campaigns1999: no campaigns
2000: no campaigns2001: no campaigns2002: no campaigns2003: 3 campaigns2004: 3 campaigns2005: 1 campaign2006: 1 campaign2007: no campaigns2008: no campaigns2009: 1 campaign
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 12V478000

    Reported

    Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner

    Model year 2013

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2013 SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012 originally equipped with R1234yf refrigerant. Daimler AG (DAG), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, conducted product testing of a vehicle, not sold in the US, but equipped with the same refrigerant. According to Mercedes-Benz, the testing was designed to replicate worst-case conditions expected in a severe frontal crash that would cause a rupture of the air conditioner refrigerant line. A rupture of a refrigerant line will result in a gaseous mixture of refrigerant being released into the engine compartment.

    Consequence:
    The testing conducted by DAG determined that the escaping R1234yf refrigerant may ignite under specific conditions. The resulting fire could spread to additional combustible materials.
    Remedy:
    Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the R1234yf refrigerant with R134a along with new refrigerant lines (hoses) designed specifically for R134a. The remedy will be provided free of charge. The safety recall began on November 8, 2012. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 08V303000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2003–2004, 2006, 2009

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling MY 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, MY 2005-2009 SLK-class, MY 2005-2008 c-class, MY 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 CLK-class, MY 2003-2008 e-class, MY 2004 and 2008 CL-class, MY 2008 CLS-class, MY 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, MY 2003 g-class, and MY 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 SL-Class vehicles. A software calibration number (SCN) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect SCN coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will recode the SCN free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 05V133000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model years 2003–2005

    On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (SBC) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.

    Consequence:
    In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the SBC pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the SBC pump unit in SL vehicles produced during a limited production period. The recall began on August 8, 2005. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V296000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    Model years 2003–2004

    On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (SBC) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.

    Consequence:
    If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the SBC may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the SBC hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on October 21M 2004. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 99V327000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Corrosion of the electrical ignition filament of the air bag gas generator module can occur if the vehicle is operated in areas of frequently high humidity.

    Consequence:
    Corrosion of the ignition filament can result in the driver's air bag being deployed unintentionally.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 96V175000

    Reported

    Visibility

    Model year 1996

    If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.

    Consequence:
    Pump operation in the absence of fluid can cause the pump to overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 96V058000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 1996

    The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.

    Consequence:
    Loss of these systems can cause the car to over heat, lose power from the battery, and loss of control of the car increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have?

NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, covering model years 1996 to 2013. The most recent, 12V478000, was reported on October 1, 2012 and is filed under “Equipment”. The 2003 and 2004 model years are covered by the most campaigns (3 each).

Which Mercedes-Benz SL-Class model year has the most complaints?

The 1998 model year, with 12 of the 31 complaints in NHTSA’s file (38.7%). The next are 2003 (9) and 2004 (3). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaint?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the component named most often: 7 complaints, or 22.6% of all 31. Suspension (6) and Air Bags (4) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz SL-Class complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 31 complaints, 2 report a crash, 1 a fire, 2 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.