VehicleVerdict

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other SL-Class years?

SL-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted23 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 20 complaints1999: 0 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 23 complaints2004: 6 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints
SL-Class NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL-Class years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags267%
Seat Belts133%

Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

99V327000AirbagsNovember 22, 1999 · 4,402 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

CORROSION OF THE IGNITION FILAMENT CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DURING VEHICLE COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY (BETTER HARNESS CONTROL) AND NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 14, 1999

“DURING VEHICLE COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY (BETTER HARNESS CONTROL) AND NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 14, 1999

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — common questions

Is the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.