MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
2003 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:41:34.087Z

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
80
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

43% of complaints

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 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2003: 80 complaints 2003 80 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 2003: 80 complaints 2003 80 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 2003: 80 complaints 2003 80 2004: 45 complaints 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2009: 2 complaints 2009

2003: 80 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

43% · 34 reports
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, 2015-12-23

Also filed under Service brakes and engine

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, 2017-12-28

Service brakes

18% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIRE

Fuel system, gasoline

14% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly.

FIRE

Electrical system

13% · 10 reports
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, 2023-11-29

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, 2023-11-27

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 8 reports

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2007-08-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-11-20 Air suspension system failure

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 11 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.