Mercedes-Benz Sl500 years to avoid
The Mercedes-Benz Sl500 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 1995 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2000 is the cleanest year on record.
307
Total complaints
2
Recall campaigns
1992–2009
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Sl500 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 108 | |
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 63 | |
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 39 |
Every Sl500 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 22 | 0 | |
| 2004avoid | 63 | 0 | |
| 2003avoid | 108 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2000 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1998 | 8 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 13 | 2 | |
| 1996 | 9 | 1 | |
| 1995avoid | 39 | 1 | |
| 1994 | 10 | 1 | |
| 1993 | 7 | 1 | |
| 1992 | 2 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mercedes-Benz Sl500 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Sl500 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 1995. The cleanest year on record is 2000.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz Sl500?
By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Sl500 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz Sl500 have?
Across all model years, the Sl500 has 2 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 307 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.