MYRModel Year Report

1994 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
1994 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:01:47.758Z

Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1994: 8 complaints 1994 8 1995: 22 complaints 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 9 complaints 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2003: 80 complaints 2003 2004: 45 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009
1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 8 complaints 1994 8 1995: 22 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 9 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2003: 80 complaints 2003 2004: 45 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2009: 2 complaints 2009
1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 8 complaints 1994 8 1995: 22 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 9 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2003: 80 complaints 2003 2004: 45 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2009: 2 complaints 2009

1994: 8 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19922
19936
19948
199522
19966
19979
19986
19992
20002
20013
200380
200445
200519
200613
20092

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

8 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine compartment fire near drivers firewall. Fire was extinguished however strong fuel vapors remained. Origin of fire unknown.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-23

Also filed under Structure and fuel/propulsion system

Started the car at work and it was running rough had no acceleration. Went into limp home mode and I was able to get home. A mechanic found the wiring harness was deteriorating, flaking and falling apart exposing all the wires.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-26

Factory material defect. Engine wire harness insulation is breaking down and flaking off, leaving exposed wire. Ignition is poor and threatens to stall, especially when engine temperature warms up to 85-90C.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-11-04

Structure

1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.

FIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

FIRE

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1994 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E014000 · Wheels
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1994 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 1994 Mercedes Benz SL500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 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.