2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
108
Owner Complaints
2 Crashes 8 Fires
0
Recalls
NO ACTIVE RECALLS
0
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
The 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 has received a total of 108 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (34 complaints), Electrical System (10 complaints), and Fuel System Gasoline (9 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
There are no recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. No Active Recalls
Owner Complaints for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
108 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Suspension
Complaints: 34
2 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 10
1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 9
1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes
Complaints: 8
1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 6
1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 6
1 Fire
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4
1 Crash
1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 2
1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 34 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodytrunk Lid | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
To who may this concerned, I have a 2003 Mercedes SL500 and recently found my battery control module caught on fire and burnt a section of my car. I have tried reaching out to Mercedes directly first and they said the car is 20 years ago and it could have not be a manufactured defect. Please I need help this problem could’ve burn down my house or while I was driving. Mercedes requested I send them a letter in writing if I have to get the car inspected. Please setup and date so I can write them this is 100% liability on their brand as there is no schedule maintenance for a battery control module.
I am concerned with the battery control module. I have noticed there has been a lot of incidents out there where the battery control module in the SL 500s have caught fire! I am concerned for my safety due to this defect!
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "Drive Carefully" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABC tandem pump, struts, and hoses needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they did not provide service for older vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
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.
I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues with the All Body Control system. Expensive repairs in the $3000-$8000 range. This is a safety issue the breakdown happens abruptly and I was fortunate other cars weren't on the parkway with me. Otherwise a crash could gave occurred.
Safety Rating for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the MERCEDES BENZ SL500
- 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 8 complaints
- 1999 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 2 complaints
- 2000 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 2 complaints
- 2001 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 3 complaints
- 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 (current)
- 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 63 complaints
- 2005 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 22 complaints
- 2006 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 — 15 complaints
Other MERCEDES BENZ Models
- MERCEDES BENZ C300 — 4,886 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ E350 — 2,649 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ E320 — 1,515 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ ML350 — 1,236 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ ML320 — 1,087 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ GLK350 — 1,031 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ C250 — 898 total complaints
- MERCEDES BENZ C230 — 879 total complaints