2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
Only 17 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 17 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 |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 17 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241209
4 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Started the vehicle and used the gear selector to shift to Drive. Car did not go into gear. Towed to dealer. Dealer found faulty âism module.â Apparently a very common issue with these cars.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240412
THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN IN HIGHWAY GOES TO LIMP MODE FOR EXAMPLE FROM 69 TO 35 MILES IS VERY DANGEROUS I HAVE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI report, 20180704
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE PADDLE SHIFTERS WERE OPERATED AND THE CONNECTOR PLATE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140102
4 of 17 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN IN HIGHWAY GOES TO LIMP MODE FOR EXAMPLE FROM 69 TO 35 MILES IS VERY DANGEROUS I HAVE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI report, 20180704
3 of 17 total reports mention: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE NEEDED AIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150820
2 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE PADDLE SHIFTERS WERE OPERATED AND THE CONNECTOR PLATE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140102
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SL63, SL550, and SL65 vehicles manufactured January 16, 2013, through April 30, 2013. The affected vehicles are equipped with an occupant
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.
Campaign 13V542000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Campaign 16V899000 — check if this car was fixed
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019.
Campaign 19V787000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V542000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V899000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V787000 (communication) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.