2003 Mercedes Benz SL Class
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
2 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: visibility.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE HEATER MOTOR HAD BLOWN OUT. THE VEHICLE BOX CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE FIRE MELTED THE MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030728
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 UNA
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.
Campaign 04V296000 — check if this car was fixed
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 PREMATU
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
Campaign 05V133000 — check if this car was fixed
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
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 C
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.
Campaign 08V303000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V296000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V133000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V303000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes Benz SL Class?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.