1994 Mercedes Benz SL
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1994
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1994: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 13 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
13 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Insulation on electrical wiring crumbles to dust, resulting in shorts, damaged electronics, engine stalling, ABS failure, etc. It appears mbz used defective insulation on the electrical wires in the engine compartment wiring harnesses.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-22
The wiring harness to the engine control system developed severe shorts, stalled the engine, disabled the ABS, asr,SRS systems.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-07
There are multiple inherant flaws with this model vehicle that affect the safety and roadworthiness of this automobile included herin as abserved by me in my ownership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-23
Also filed under Power train
Electronic stability control (esc)
2 of 15 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
Visibility
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing motor.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Total electrical failure, engine stoppage, deactivation of ABS, asd, seat belts, electric door locks, lights.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-27
Service brakes
1 of 15 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Mercedes Benz SL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1994 Mercedes Benz SL 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 1994 Mercedes Benz SL?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 87% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1994 Mercedes Benz SL have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.