1998 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 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 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.
Visibility/wiper
2 of 6 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercedes Benz SL500. The contact stated that the passenger headlamp wiper arm was misaligned. The contact noticed that the washer pump would run continuously expelling all available fluid.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-22
Electrical system
2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.
Tires
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a 1998 Mercedes Benz that I do not drive often and keep well stored in a heated garage. I was driving it and noticed the tire was low. I took it to discount tire, who informed me that my tires were down to tread wear of 2/32.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-10
Structure
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Hydraulic cylinders for soft top and hard top convertible fails and leaks. All 12 of the cylinders fails due to hydraulic fluid corrosion thousands of complaints. Costs 12000(Twelve thousands dollars to fix).
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-26
Service brakes
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving at 40 MPH when all of a sudden engine dies. Car becomes dead, very dangerous , at night middle lane of pacific coast hwy. Cant use breaks, everything is dead! Cant steer nothing. Could have been killed. This has happened before twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-17
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
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
1998 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E014000 · Wheels
FAQ
- Is the 1998 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 1998 Mercedes Benz SL500?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.