MYRModel Year Report

2001 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
2001 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:06:26.851Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

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 2001: 3 complaints 2001 3 2003: 80 complaints 2004: 45 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009
1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 8 complaints 1994 1995: 22 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 9 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2001 3 2003: 80 complaints 2003 2004: 45 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2009: 2 complaints 2009
1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 6 complaints 1993 1994: 8 complaints 1994 1995: 22 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 9 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2001 3 2003: 80 complaints 2003 2004: 45 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2009: 2 complaints 2009

2001: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19922
19936
19948
199522
19966
19979
19986
19992
20002
20013
200380
200445
200519
200613
20092

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

2 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was being stored in my garage .. I started the vehicle, it was sitting at an idle.. I noticed the battery light on the dash illuminate. Then I could smell burning. I noticed on the passenger side of the engine compartment smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-05

I have an 01 S500 Mercedes Benz with only 44000 miles on it. The instrument cluster went out @ 36000 miles. The lights are dimmed on the speedometer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-11-09

Power train

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes SL500. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH merging into traffic. While the accelerator pedal was engaged, the gear automatically shifted into neutral. The vehicle continued to function normally.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-15

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E014000 · Wheels
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2001 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 2001 Mercedes Benz SL500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 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.