Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2003. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 13 | 0 |
| 2005 | 19 | 0 |
| 2004 SL500 | 45 | 0 |
| 2003 SL500Most complaints | 80 | 0 |
| 2001 | 3 | 0 |
| 2000 | 2 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 | 0 |
| 1998 | 6 | 0 |
| 1997 SL500 | 9 | 1 |
| 1996 | 6 | 0 |
| 1995 | 22 | 0 |
| 1994 | 8 | 0 |
| 1993 | 6 | 0 |
| 1992 | 2 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Suspension61
- Electrical system59
- Service brakes29
- Fuel/propulsion system18
- Fuel system, gasoline17
- Power train14
- Service brakes, hydraulic13
- Air bags13
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Recalls
1 campaigns cover the SL500.
99V327000 · Air bags22 Nov 1999 · 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION FILAMENT OF THE AIR BAG GAS GENERATOR MODULE CAN OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN AREAS OF FREQUENTLY HIGH HUMIDITY.
NHTSA recalls