MYRModel Year Report

2004 Mercedes Benz SL500

○ Not enough data
2004 Mercedes Benz SL500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:01:18.063Z

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
45
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

53% 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 2004: 45 complaints 2004 45 2005: 19 complaints 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 2004: 45 complaints 2004 45 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 2004: 45 complaints 2004 45 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2009: 2 complaints 2009

2004: 45 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

53% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing front and rear.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
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, 2010-02-21

Also filed under Wheels

Service brakes

27% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2014-11-11

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, 2014-10-24

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, 2026-01-24

Fuel system, gasoline

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly.

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 4 reports

Electrical system

9% · 4 reports
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, 2023-04-23

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, 2018-11-15

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

2004 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 5 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 53% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.