MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz SL320

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz SL320
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:20:04.670Z

Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz SL320 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 16 complaints 1995 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1997: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19942
199516
19964
19976
19983
19992
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE BUT IT DID NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030422

BURN SMELL COMING FROM ELECTRICAL HARNESS BOX. MR THE HARNESS BOX WAS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN OIL LEAK. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20041222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE BUT IT DID NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030422

WHEELS

1 of 6 total reports mentions: wheels.

Show complaint excerpts

CHROME TIRE WHEEL IS LOOSE. YH

NHTSA ODI report, 19990823

VISIBILITY

1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility.

Show complaint excerpts

SINGLE WIPER BLADE HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIME IN 1 YR. DEALER STATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BLADES NOT LASTING.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980930

SEAT BELTS

1 of 6 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

AT A SLOW 5 MPH PARKING LOT SPEED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONING DEVICES IGNITED. THE SRS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THERE WERE NO IMPACTS, PREVIOUS COLLISIONS, OR ANY REASON FOR THESE PRE-TENSIONING DEVICES TO ACTIVATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190409

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20000118 — air bags

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.

Campaign 99V327000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz SL320 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V327000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz SL320 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 SL320?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz SL320 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.