Avoid: 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2016 (few owner reports)
18 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 9 model years, the Mercedes-Benz SL has 295 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and service brakes. 2003 drew the most complaints (114), 2022 the fewest (8).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz SL vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2003 (114 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (8).
Sentiment varies dramatically by generation and is heavily influenced by ownership expectations.
Leads to multiple electrical failures.
Often caused by water ingress; controls roof, locks, and lumbar support.
Limited actuation life leads to expensive replacement or repair.
Expensive bag and strut replacements.
Routine and repair costs are extremely high, with reports of single service visits costing $4,000-$6,000.
Owner insights cover all generations of the SL. Individual model years are broken down above.
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