MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz SL Class

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz SL Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:14:27.230Z

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
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2 1998: 12 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2009: 0 complaints
1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2009: 0 complaints 2009
1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2009: 0 complaints 2009

1997: 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.

Air bags

2 of 2 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

False deployment of passenger side airbag while vehicle was parked. Nlm

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-30

During vehicle collision seat belts did not restrain properly (Better harness control) and no deployment of air bags. Mjs

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-23

Also filed under Seat belts

Seat belts

1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2000-01-18Air bags99V327000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2000-06-02Recall queryClosed 2001-07-20 Inadvertent side impact airbag deploymen
  3. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V327000 · Air bags
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Mercedes Benz SL Class?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz SL Class have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.