2002 Mercedes-Benz SL: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker SL years.
13 owner complaints, most about electrical system. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 SL?The 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has 13 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other SL years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the SL?
Across the 18 SL model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 114 (2003). With 13 complaints, the 2002 SL sits above the model's median of 8.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Sentiment varies dramatically by generation and is heavily influenced by ownership expectations.
Owner insights cover all generations of the SL. See the full SL owner picture and every model year.
Other SL model years
Compare every SL year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the SL against its rivals
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