1997 Mercedes Benz SL500
Only 9 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 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 9 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DT: CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A 1997 MERCEDES SL-500 IT WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050804
2 of 9 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 209K MILES. SUNDAY 1/19/20 DRIVING WB ON MONTAUK HIGHWAY (NYS 27A?) AT QUOGUE NY. SPEED APPROX. 35-40 MPH. SLIGHT TURN/BEND IN ROAD TO THE RIGHT. SUNNY, DRY PAVEMENT. NO OTHER CARS FOLLOWING OR AHEAD, EITHER DIRECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200123
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
WHENEVER VEHICLE RUNS OVER A BUMPS OR A POTHOLE, IT CAUSES DOOR LOCKS TO POP OPEN. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND PROBLEM STILL CCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20011031
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
WIRING INSULATION FOR LIGHTS AND POWER STEERING DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING MASSIVE SHORTS IN MULTIPLE SYSTEMS, DRAINING THE BATTERY AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130627
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 40-50 MPH AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN CONSUMER COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020620
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION FILAMENT OF THE AIR BAG GAS GENERATOR MODULE CAN OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN AREAS OF FREQUENTLY HIGH HUMIDITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE.
Campaign 99V327000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1997 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V327000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E014000 (wheels) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 Mercedes Benz SL500?
The most-reported component is air bags:side/window, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz SL500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.