MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
1996 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:17:59.167Z

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 SL500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1994: 8 complaints 1994 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: 44 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009
1996: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19922
19936
19948
199522
19966
19979
19986
19992
20002
20013
200380
200444
200519
200613
20092

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE INJURY
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, 20150629

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE INJURY
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, 20150629

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, 20040714

VISIBILITY

1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility.

VISIBILITY

1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility.

Show complaint excerpts

PUMPS RUNS OUT OF WATER, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER KEEPS GOING ON HEADLAMPS. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020411

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED A CRASH INTO THE REAR WALL OF MY GARAGE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20031027

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060127 — wheels

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

1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E014000 (wheels) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:wiring:front underhood, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercedes Benz SL500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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