2003 Mercedes Benz SL
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 PER YEAR
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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120811
1 of 3 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120811
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
FAILURE OF ACTIVE BODY CONTROL HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM; PUMP AND WHEEL VALVE FAILURES RESULTING IN LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND RESULTING LOSS OF ABILITY OF CAR TO MAINTAIN SAFE VEHICLE HEIGHT AND SAFE DRIVABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120811
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercedes Benz SL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes Benz SL?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.