Mercedes Benz / SL500 / 2003
2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 problems
Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 31.5% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of fuel system, gasoline at 10.2%.
Complaints108
Crashes2
Fires8
Injuries1
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 31.5% · 34
Fuel system, gasoline 10.2% · 11
Electrical system 9.3% · 10
Service brakes 7.4% · 8
Fuel/propulsion system 7.4% · 8
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.6% · 6
Steering 5.6% · 6
Electronic stability control (ESC) 4.6% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 2 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 1 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 64,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL500. The contact stated that while waiting at a stop sign, the vehicle lowered itself about 6 inches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the hydraulic valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000. Suspension · reported at 50,000 miles
ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car. Light says do not drive. Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this. Really irresponsible by Mercedes. Suspension
The abc suspension system fails while driving causing suspension to lower and vehicle is difficult to handle. The front end is spongy and dips up and down. Red warning do not drive illuminates. Very unsafe. Suspension · reported at 66,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…