2004 Mercedes Benz SL Class
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 3 complaints
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 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
2 of 3 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension.
Structure
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields.
Exterior lighting
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing high/low beam dimmer switch.
Show complaint excerpts
When turning on the air conditioner or any other vehicle accessory the headlights dim or they flash on and off as if going from high beam to low beam, etc. Technical service bulletin 040842001A.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-11
Also filed under Equipment
Equipment
1 of 3 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-10-21Service brakes, hydraulic04V296000 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…
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.
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R
2005-08-08Service brakes, hydraulic05V133000 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…
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…
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I
2007-08-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-11-20 Air suspension system failure
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R
2008-08-30Electrical system08V303000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Mercedes Benz SL Class — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V296000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 05V133000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 08V303000 · Electrical system
FAQ
- Is the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes Benz SL Class?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz SL Class have?
- 3 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.