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
- 9
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 9 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
Show 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, 2005-08-04
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, 2020-01-23
Also filed under Seat belts
Seat belts
2 of 9 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing pretensioner.
Structure
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-10-31
Steering
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, 2013-06-27
Also filed under Engine
Service brakes
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2000-01-18Air bags99V327000 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.
-
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
1997 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V327000 · Air bags
- Recall 06E014000 · Wheels
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, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz SL500 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.