MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:17:54.299Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz SL500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 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
2003: 80 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19922
19936
19948
199522
19966
19979
19986
19992
20002
20013
200380
200444
200519
200613
20092

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SUSPENSION 43%

43% of complaints: suspension — 34 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151223

ABS PROBLEM MY CAR WONT GO UP OR DOWN IT IS IN THE DOWN POSITION ABS LIGHT IS ON DON T NO WHAT PROBLEM IS I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171228

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

To who may this concerned, I have a 2003 Mercedes SL500 and recently found my battery control module caught on fire and burnt a section of my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231129

I am concerned with the battery control module. I have noticed there has been a lot of incidents out there where the battery control module in the SL 500s have caught fire! I am concerned for my safety due to this defect!

NHTSA ODI report, 20231127

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11%

11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABC AND STOP VEHICLE TOO LOW WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151223

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20070814 — PE (closed 20071120)

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 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 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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