MYRModel Year Report

2004 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
2004 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:17:52.649Z

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, 2004 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 2004 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009
2004: 44 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 48%

48% of complaints: suspension — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

ADDENDUM INFO TO ORIGINAL COMPLAINT #10308437 SHOWS THAT MB SERVICE ADVISOR J. STEACH ADVISED M .B. NOT RESPONSIBLE AS DRIVER SHOULD "MISS" POTHOLES. ENGINEERING ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR DRIVER TO STEER AROUND POTHOLES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100221

SERVICE BRAKES 20%

20% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WAS TRAVELING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND 6PM WHEN TRAFFIC AHEAD BEGUN TO SLOW AND STOP FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL A CHANGE, UPON ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND ONLY GAVE A WARNING UNTIL AFTER MY...

NHTSA ODI report, 20141111

I WAS TRAVELING IN TRAILING A SAFE DISTANCE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR AND AS WE APPROACHED S TRAFFIC SIGNAL, ALL CARS BEGUN TO SLOW FOR THE YELLOW LIGHT IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR A SAFE STOP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141024

Question 1: The Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) unit, which is a high-pressure "brake-by-wire" hydraulic system. Component A7/3. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260124

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9%

9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The 2003-2006 R230 series seem to have a problem with the BCM (Battery Control Module) as start an electrical fire in the trunk. Very common issue and a safety hazard - this is what happened with my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230423

NOV 14 EARLY MORNING A FIRE STARTED IN THE TRUCK OF MY CAR. COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE CAR. WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. TRUCK WAS EMPTY. HAD JUST USED CAR MORNING OF NOV 13 AND ALL WAS FINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181115

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20070814 — PE (closed 20071120)

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2004 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 2004 Mercedes Benz SL500?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 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.