NHTSA Data Explorer

Mercedes-Benz SL500

Data refreshed October 26, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Mercedes-Benz SL500.

Complaints

411

Active records

Recalls

10

Active records

TSBs

137

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

2

Injuries

29

Crashes

22

Fires

25

Top reported issues — Mercedes-Benz SL500

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

111

Reporting mechanism

69

Operating state

68

Braking behavior

46

Ride/handling behavior

44

Noise

39

Engine behavior

36

Thermal issue

33

Electrical issue

31

Fluid issue

31

Safety restraint issue

30

Performance issue

24

Safety restraint behavior

21

Driver assistance issue

19

Access/entry issue

18

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

15

Lighting behavior

11

Smell

8

HVAC behavior

7

Starting behavior

7

Steering behavior

7

Powering on/off behavior

4

Infotainment behavior

3

Vibration/harshness

3

Wiper/washer behavior

3

Recent change

2

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Aug 5, 2026


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…

2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Jan 24, 2026


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…

2000 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Oct 6, 2025


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…

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Nov 29, 2023


Fire

To who may this concerned, I have a 2003 Mercedes SL500 and recently found my battery control module caught on fire and burnt a section of my car. I have tried reaching out to Mercedes directly first and they said the car is 20 years ago and it could have not be a manufactured defect. Please I need help this problem could’ve burn down my house or while I was driving. Mercedes requested I send them a letter in writing if I have to get the car inspected. Please setup and date so I can write them…

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Nov 27, 2023


I am concerned with the battery control module. I have noticed there has been a lot of incidents out there where the battery control module in the SL 500s have caught fire! I am concerned for my safety due to this defect!

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Aug 22, 2023


The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message Drive Carefully was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABC tandem pump, struts, and hoses needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they did not provide service for older vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…

2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Apr 23, 2023


Fire

The 2003-2006 R230 series seem to have a problem with the BCM (Battery Control Module) as start an electrical fire in the trunk. Very common issue and a safety hazard - this is what happened with my car. Vehicle has dual battery, starter in front, convenience battery in trunk and fuses that operate at 130 Amps - the BCM capacitors and circuit board age and at some point can no longer handle the high current and catch fire.

2005 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Feb 20, 2023


This issue almost cause an accident on the freeway, Transmission went from drive to neutral and then reverse. This is cause by the range sensor. Conductor plate for transmission is very common for this type of vehicles. Please investigate. This can cause a fatal injury or death.

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Sep 28, 2022


ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car. Light says do not drive. Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this. Really irresponsible by Mercedes.

2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500

Filed Jul 20, 2022


I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues with the All Body Control system. Expensive repairs in the $3000-$8000 range. This is a safety issue the breakdown happens abruptly and I was fortunate other cars weren't on the…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated October 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.