VehicleVerdict

2001 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Sl500 years?

Sl500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 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, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sl500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System267%
Transmission133%

Does the 2001 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.

“I HAVE AN 01 S500 MERCEDES BENZ WITH ONLY 44000 MILES ON IT. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT @ 36000 MILES. THE LIGHTS ARE DIMMED ON THE SPEEDOMETER. A LOCAL SHOP TRIED TO REPAIR IT FOR $625 BUT I WAS TOLD, SINCE IT'S A CIRCUIT, IT WILL CONTINUE TO BLOW. THE ENTIRE CIRCUIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, THE GEAR AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 12, 2008

2001 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 — common questions

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 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.