1996 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 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 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, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-29
Also filed under Engine
While driving, the consumer smelled a burning odor, then smoke started coming from the interior rearview mirror. *ak the faulty device was due to a transistor that had gone bad on the electric board on the inside of the reaview mirror.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-14
Visibility
2 of 6 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing interior.
Show complaint excerpts
Pumps runs out of water, and windshield wiper keeps going on headlamps. Dealer contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-11
Vehicle speed control
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Sudden acceleration caused a crash into the rear wall of my garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-27
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel line leakage at fuel pump-second occurance. Dt
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11
Engine
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine.
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
1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E014000 · Wheels
FAQ
- Is the 1996 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 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 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.