MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercedes Benz SL Class

○ Not enough data
1996 Mercedes Benz SL Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:49:40.877Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz SL Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 2002: 1 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2009: 0 complaints 2009
1996: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19962
19972
199812
19990
20021
20039
20043
20052
20060
20090

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

MY 1996 MERCEDES SL600 FAILED EMISSIONS TESTING BECAUSE THE OBDII SYSTEM CHECK REPORTED 5 MONITORS WERE "NOT READY".

NHTSA ODI report, 20080711

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

1996 MERCEDES BENZ SL 600 WIRING HARNESS FAILURE AUTHORIZED DEALER REPORTS THAT THIS IS A TYPICAL FAILURE OF AN OLDER MERCEDES WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070801

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19960422 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.

Campaign 96V058000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19961115 — visibility

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 POSITI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP WASHER PUMP ON THESE VEHICLES.

Campaign 96V175000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V058000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V175000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL Class reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL Class?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL Class have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.