1994 Mercedes Benz SL500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 44 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2009 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
HFM & OTHER WIRING HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED TO MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS SINCE NEW. DETERIORATED WIRING HARNESS CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, IGNITION MALFUNCTIONS, ELECTRICAL SHORTS OCCUR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060808
3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NEAR DRIVERS FIREWALL. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER STRONG FUEL VAPORS REMAINED. ORIGIN OF FIRE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200123
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, 20160426
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, 20161104
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061206
MY WIRING HARNESS HAS DISINTEGRATED. I HAVE SHORTS IN THE WIRING THAT HAVE SO FAR AFFECTED THE ALTERNATOR, HEATING COOLING, FUEL INJECTION AND LIGHTS. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20061102
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NEAR DRIVERS FIREWALL. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER STRONG FUEL VAPORS REMAINED. ORIGIN OF FIRE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200123
1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NEAR DRIVERS FIREWALL. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER STRONG FUEL VAPORS REMAINED. ORIGIN OF FIRE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200123
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 MOUNTI
Remedy: ZF TRADING WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPAIR THE WHEEL BEARING KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 27, 2006.
Campaign 06E014000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E014000 (wheels) has been completed.
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:wiring:front underhood, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Mercedes Benz SL500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.