2006 Mercedes Benz SL500
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 44 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2009 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 13 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
THE 2006 MB SL500'S ARE PRONE TO ABC (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL) FAILURES. MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING IT. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS SYSTEM IS APPROX. $4,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200212
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141212
WE BOUGHT A GOOD CAR SO THE CAR CAN LAST WITH FEW ISSUES BUT WE HAVE HAD LOTS OF MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR AND LAST ONE WAS THE MALFUNCTION OF THE SUSPENSION AND THIS COST US OVER $1800 TO GET FIX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130606
3 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
ON 04/14/2019 WHILE DRIVING, RED DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WARNING OF LOST BRAKING AND TO STOP. AT THE SAME TIME TWO SEPARATE WARNING SOUNDS FILLED THE CARS CABIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190416
2006 SL 500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SBC WARNING CLUSTER ILLUMINATED AND BRAKE FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THE CONSUMER LIMPED THREE BLOCKS HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180409
1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130308
1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Mercedes Benz SL500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2006 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 2006 Mercedes Benz SL500?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 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.