2005 Mercedes Benz SL500
Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2005: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 22 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2003 | 80 |
| 2004 | 45 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2009 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
8 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
2005 mercedes SL500. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake system failure while driving. *smd the consumer stated without warning the sbc pump warning light appeared and the brakes failed. The sbc pump needed to replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-09
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the active body control light illuminated. The contact stated that the shocks felt as if they had failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-04
Electrical system
4 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing rear compartment/trunk.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns 2005 Mercedes Benz SL500. The contact stated that the whole right side of the vehicle trunk caught on fire while the vehicle was parked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-25
My Mercedes Benz has a faulty electrical wiring in the command navigation unit in my SL500.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-25
Mercedes-Benz SL500 (2005), 4000 miles. Brakes failed. It would seem to be an electrical or computer failure of some kind. Auto was serviced a week ago. Have had trouble with electrical and/orl features from first day of purchase.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-10-25
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Power train
3 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Suspension
2 of 19 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz 500SL. The contact stated that the vehicle sat abnormally low to the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the hydraulic system had failed. The vehicle was repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-02
Visibility
1 of 19 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2005 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 2005 Mercedes Benz SL500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 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.