2009 Mercedes Benz SL550
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
6 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Complete brake failure while driving. No one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. Now the ABS and SRS lights on. Brake pedal to the floor.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-13
I bought the almost 3 years now since I bought it I seen and message on the dash board Reduced Braking Power Depress Brake Pedal fully .
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-05-16
Catastrophic brake failure. No brakes at all.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-07
Tires
5 of 15 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
Show complaint excerpts
Unknown cause, cracked and bent wheel rims, replaced with new.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-09-28
Also filed under Wheels
I have owned this vehicle since March 2009 and have had to replace 11 tires and 2 wheels and have had 3 wheels repaired. This is due to low profile tires which develop bulges.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-13
Wheels
4 of 15 total reports mention: wheels.
Electrical system
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003â2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: ⢠There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that...
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-23
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes Benz SL550. While trying to exit the vehicle, the door handle fractured and all of the doors automatically locked preventing the contact from exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-20
Structure
2 of 15 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
My car was parked and I attempted to open the driver's door as I was seated in driver's seat and I heard a loud popping noise.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-17
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
2009 Mercedes Benz SL550 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 4 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2009 Mercedes Benz SL550 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 2009 Mercedes Benz SL550?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Mercedes Benz SL550 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.