2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.0 times the median Sl500 year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 15 Sl500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Suspension leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (38% of the total).
63
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
8
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Sl500 years?
What are the most common 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 24 | 38% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 17% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 9 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ADDENDUM INFO TO ORIGINAL COMPLAINT #10308437 SHOWS THAT MB SERVICE ADVISOR J. STEACH ADVISED M .B. NOT RESPONSIBLE AS DRIVER SHOULD "MISS" POTHOLES. ENGINEERING ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR DRIVER TO STEER AROUND POTHOLES. AT 70MPH MB SL500 TRAVELS 103 FT/SEC AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE…”
“WAS TRAVELING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AROUND 6PM WHEN TRAFFIC AHEAD BEGUN TO SLOW AND STOP FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL A CHANGE, UPON ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND ONLY GAVE A WARNING UNTIL AFTER MY VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF CAUSING ME BET…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A KNOCKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…”
“The 2003-2006 R230 series seem to have a problem with the BCM (Battery Control Module) as start an electrical fire in the trunk. Very common issue and a safety hazard - this is what happened with my car. Vehicle has dual battery, starter in front, convenience battery in trunk and fuses that operate…”
“THE ABC VEHICLE HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED THE CAR TO DROP VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE, HOWEVER AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT, THEN RE STARTING THE CAR WENT UP TO ITS NORMAL HEIGHT, WHAT IF I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY? *TR”
2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 — common questions
Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 15 Sl500 years. It is one of the Sl500 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 Sl500 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (24 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), fuel system (9 complaints).
Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500.
Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl500 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.