1993 Mercedes Benz SL500
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.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1993
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1993: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 22 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2003 | 80 |
| 2004 | 45 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2009 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
4 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
My 1993 mer benz ffirst started to lose its power kinda like limp mode cuz the RPM wouldnt go past 2,000 until one day it started smoking really bad thru the vents and from under the hood until the car turned off and hasnt turned back on since I had...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-12
Bad wiring harness. Insulation dangerously degraded within sheathing, causing a short in my engine. This should be a mercedes recall with parts and labor repairs paid by mercedes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-09
Also filed under Engine
Electrical wiring insulation is degrading on wiring harness(S) in engine compartment. This is a potential fire hazard which could lead to loss of life or serve property loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-08
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Engine
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine.
Air bags
1 of 6 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
A year after purchasing this beauty the air bag lightcome on and will not go off. The performancewas greatly effected and it broke my heart to lose my bragging rights on the 1993 500SL , only 68000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-09
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
2006-01-27Wheels06E014000 Certain zf trading north america aftermarket wheel bearing kits, lemfoerder p/n 1402301, sold for installation on 1992-2001 Mercedes Benz SL500 (R129) vehicles after April 1, 2005. The caliper…
Remedy: Zf trading will notify its owners and repair the wheel bearing kits free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2006.
Buy-smart checklist
1993 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E014000 · Wheels
FAQ
- Is the 1993 Mercedes Benz SL500 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 1993 Mercedes Benz SL500?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1993 Mercedes Benz SL500 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.