VehicleVerdict

1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.3 times the median Sl500 year — the 1995 model ranks #3 of 15 Sl500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 54% of all reports (21 of 39), far ahead of engine at 4.

39

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Sl500 years?

Sl500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted108 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 39 complaints1996: 9 complaints1997: 13 complaints1998: 8 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 3 complaints2003: 108 complaints2004: 63 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 15 complaints2009: 4 complaints
Sl500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sl500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2154%
Engine410%
Fuel System38%
Airbags25%
Brakes25%
Other25%
Steering25%
Speed Control13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Seat Belts13%

Does the 1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E014000Tires & WheelsFebruary 6, 2006 · 31,422 units

Defect

CERTAIN ZF TRADING NORTH AMERICA AFTERMARKET WHEEL BEARING KITS, LEMFOERDER P/N 1402301, SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON 1992-2001 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 (R129) VEHICLES AFTER APRIL 1, 2005. THE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS USED IN THE WHEEL BEARING KIT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, SHEAR OFF AND BREAK. IF BOTH CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS BREAK, THE BRAKE CALIPER MAY BECOME UNFIXED AND, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BRAKED, THE BRAKE ROTOR COULD DRAG THE CALIPER, CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE TO RUPTURE AND THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION TO BE DAMAGED.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ZF TRADING WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPAIR THE WHEEL BEARING KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 27, 2006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC DUE TO WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. STARTED SMALL FIRE THAT WAS EXTINGUISHED BEFORE ANY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. I REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS AND CLEANED ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WIRING HARNESS INSULATION HAD TURNED TO POWDER IN MANY LOCATIONS SHORTING FUEL INJECTORS, MASS SENSOR AND CAM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 4, 2006 · fire

“THIS VEHICLE HAS A BIO-DEGRADABLE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THESE HARNESSES ARE DETERIORATING. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, NO POWER STEERING, NO NOTHING ON A FREEWAY AND I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. MERCEDES AND THE DEALERSHIPS BOTH KNOW THAT VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE HARNESS ARE DEATH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 20, 2013

“I HAVE 1995 SL500 LAST 8 YEARS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, RELATED TO WIRING HARNESS ,MISFIRE ,STEERING PUMP,AIR PUMP AND MORE. I AM THE FIRST OWNER.ALL THE WIRES ARE DETERIORATING,I THNIK WE NEED NHTSA TO INSPECT THESE CAR MANUFACTURERS.IF MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE FAULTY WIRING THEY SHOULD STAND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 7, 2012

“91-96 MERCEDES ENGINE WIRE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES COMPLETELY TO SHORTING OUT ALL GAUGES AND ENGINE OPERATIONS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS... DEADLY DANGEROUS . THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A MASS GROUP TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NHTSA FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 1, 1995 · fire

1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 — common questions

Is the 1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 1995 model at #3 of 15 Sl500 years. It is one of the Sl500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Sl500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), engine (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1995 Mercedes-Benz Sl500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Sl500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sl500 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 1995. The cleanest record among Sl500 years belongs to 2000.

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.