2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

SUSPENSION

12 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY AND IN PARK, EITHER THE RIGHT SIDE OR THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RAISE UP THEN DESCEND TO GROUND OVER A THIRTY SECOND PERIOD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HIS FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :08V405000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.

Jun 29, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND CAUSED THE WHEELS TO DROP AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE FENDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE UNLESS LIFTED UP WITH SOME SORT OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT. THE CONTACT INFORMED MERCEDES-BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

Jun 13, 2017

"TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL DUE TO THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM/ AIR BAGS) THE INTERNET REVILES A MULTITUDE OF OWNERS OF THIS CLASS AND YEAR MERCEDES BENZ HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO A RUPTURED HYDRAULIC LINE

May 09, 2017

I HAVE HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION. THE ABC LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE. THE CAR DROPPED ON THE FREEWAY. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND FIXED PROPERLY. I'VE ONLY DRIVEN 400 MILES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS TOTAL BECAUSE I'M AFRAID SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.

Jan 06, 2017

THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION ERRATICALLY LOWERS AND RISES WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY AT ALL SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALER 4 TIMES. THE DEALER HAS FLUSHED THE HYDRAULIC FLUID ONCE, REPLACED ONE STRUT TWICE, AND 3 SUSPENSION ACCELERATION SENSORS AND 1 SEND UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND CONDITION CONTINUED AND WAS RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY THE DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE AND IS NOT SURE HOW TO REPAIR IT. THE VEHICLE COMPUTER DOES NOT INDICATE CODES, BUT DEALER HAS DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AND WITNESS THIS UNSAFE CONDITION. A FORMAL COMPLIANT BEEN FILED WITH MERCEDES USA. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BASED ON CURRENT CONDITION.

Oct 10, 2016

+ 7 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

7 complaints

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 VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Oct 15, 2014

THE GAS TANK BAFFLE HAD BROKEN AND IT IS KNOCKING INSIDE THE TANK. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL BREAK AND CAUSE A FIRE. *TR

Aug 08, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,100.

Jul 18, 2014

BAFFLE IN MY FUEL TANK ON MY 2004 MERCEDES SL 500 HAS BROKEN. CAUSES A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. ENTIRE FUEL TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED. RESEARCHING MANY BLOGS AND FORUMS FOUND MANY OF SL OWNERS HAS SAME EXPERIENCED. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE HANDLED UNDER A RECALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

Mar 28, 2011

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500, LOUD KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR.FUEL TANK MIGHT NEED TO BE REPLACED... SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. *TR

Mar 20, 2011

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaints

THE VEHICLE HAS 70000 MILES AND ON JANUARY 10, 2019 I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING (UNTIL AFTER THE FACT ) HAD NO BRAKES, FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY AFTER BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND BEEPING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROADSIDE. CODES INDICATED FAILED SBC.

Feb 15, 2019

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2014. MY BRAKES COMPLETELY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING JANUARY 1 2018. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON BOTH SIDES COMING TOWARDS ME. I IMMEDIATELY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND SPED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT....ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER. BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED I WAS UNABLE TO SEEK SERVICE THAT DAY. I CALLED MERCEDES OF RICHMOND VA BEING THAT WAS THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS VISITING AT AT THE TIME. UNFORTUNATELY I COULD NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL JANUARY 3RD. I HAD IT TOWED THAT MORNING AND THEY CAME BACK HOURS LATER NOTIFYING ME IT WAS IN FACE THE SBC SYSTEM WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $2006. I WAS OUTRAGED LEARNING THAT MBUSA KNEW OF THIS ISSUE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V296000 IN JUNE 2004 BUT CLOSED IT OUT IN DECEMBER 2013. I DID NOT PURCHASE THE VEHICLE UNTIL 2014. I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST ME AS ONE OF THE ASSOCIATES INFORMED ME ABOUT "GOOD WILL" SERVICE WHERE THEY MIGHT CONSIDER MY SITUATION AND HELP. I WAS AGAIN EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THEY WOULD ONLY ASSIST WITH $300 AS WE HAVE 2 MERCEDES AND HAVE INCURRED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN KNOWN REPAIR ISSUES OF THE FEW YEARS. I AM ASKING THAT MBUSA ACCEPT THE COST OF THIS REPAIR AS IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY WERE REPLACING AT NO COST TO OWNER. I HAVE 131,000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS UNDER MILEAGE FOR THAT YEAR. THEY TOLD ME TO ASK MERCEDES IF THEY WOULD CONSIDER ASSISTING IN ANY WAY BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.

Jan 04, 2018

BRAKES FAIL...WARNING LIGHT ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE NO BRAKES...A SUICIDE MACHINE IN TRAFFIC

Jan 13, 2017

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 THROWN VIOLENTLY FORWARD AND BACKWARD WHICH, GAVE RISE TO WHIPLASH INJURY, DAMAGING THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE AND THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WITH SIMILAR INJURIES THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

Nov 11, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

I WAS TRAVELING IN TRAILING A SAFE DISTANCE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR AND AS WE APPROACHED S TRAFFIC SIGNAL, ALL CARS BEGUN TO SLOW FOR THE YELLOW LIGHT IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR A SAFE STOP. HOW EVER, UPON MY ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED AND AN A RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON "STOP" MY VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND I COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING INJURY TO THE OTHER DRIVER AND MYSELF. THERE WAS NEVER A WAD AILEDHNING LIGHT THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS FAILING. *TR

Oct 24, 2014

Crash: 1

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

On many 2003 and 2004 models. Broken fuel tank baffle inside fuel tank. This is well documented and could possibly cause explosion.

May 07, 2022

ON JULY 22, 2020 THE VEHICLE (2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 (R230)BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE REAR WHEN STOPPING AND TURNING. I DELIVERED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A BROKEN BAFFLE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK. MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE AND IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT; THIS CANNOT BE CAUSED BY EXCESS WEAR ON THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE THERE IS NOW A LARGE SECTION OF THE FUEL TANK FREELY SWINGING INSIDE, THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A SPARK AND SUBSEQUENT EXPLOSION. I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS REPLACED AT A VERY LARGE COST. THIS MODEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED WHEN THIS ISSUE WAS FIRST COMING TO LIGHT OVER 15 YEARS AGO.

Jul 30, 2020

I EXPERIENCE A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WHEN ENTERING MY VEHICLE AND WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, ALSO WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE I HEART A LOUD THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE TRUNK AREA. SOUNDS TO ME AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS FLOATING INSIDE GAS TANK. THIS ODOR HAS SICKENED ME AND HAS SEVERELY UPSET MY STOMACH TO THE POINT THAT I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. THE THUMPING SOUND IS CREATED WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING OR COMING TO A STOP BUT HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Jun 02, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FUEL TANK. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A CONSTANT FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF VIRGINIA BEACH (LOCATED AT 4949 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23462, (757) 499-3771) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ONE OF THE BAFFLES IN THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED, SEPARATED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Dec 06, 2018

A POUNDING NOISE (LIKE A HAMMER HITTING A 2X4) OCCURRED REPEATEDLY WHENEVER I STARTED OR STOPPED. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FAILURE OF THE BAFFLES INSIDE THE GAS TANK AND REQUIRED A REPLACEMENT OF THE GAS TANK AT A COST OF OVER $2000. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP AND SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THE BAFFLES SLIDING AROUND THE TANK WOULD ULTIMATELY CAUSE IT TO LEAK IF THE TANK WERE NOT REPLACED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. IT HAS APPARENTLY OCCURRED ON MANY MERCEDES CARS ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET REPORTS. *JS

Jun 09, 2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Mercedes SL600 BCM has electrical issues leading to a fire it is available for inspection. The car can burn down in a garage putting me and all others in or near the dwelling at risk. Yes the problem has been confirmed independently. No BCM issues lead to red light on dash.

Nov 29, 2023

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 at 130 Amps - the BCM capacitors and circuit board age and at some point can no longer handle the high current and catch fire.

Apr 23, 2023

Fire: 1

NOV 14 EARLY MORNING A FIRE STARTED IN THE TRUCK OF MY CAR. COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE CAR. WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. TRUCK WAS EMPTY. HAD JUST USED CAR MORNING OF NOV 13 AND ALL WAS FINE. *****PLEASE SEE IMAGES IMG_1733, IMG_1734 AND IMG_1738 THANK YOU.

Nov 15, 2018

Fire: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE UP A HILL IN ORDER TO STOP AND THEN PULLED INTO HIS DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,200.

Jan 08, 2008

RECALL CAMPAIGN: RECALL 2004 050014 NOTICE RECEIVED FOR DEFECTIVE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE. *BF THE SERVICE DEALER COMPUTERS DISENGAGED THE CONSUMERS BRAKING SYSTEM, THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 ROADSTER. *SC *JB

Dec 09, 2004

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

The safety component that is covered under the SBC warranty is the entire brake master cylinder specifically the part that is bad is the brake pedal position sensor The car is undriveable without it, they have a 25-year warranty on it yet they have no parts and no way to fix it which is obviously unacceptable they've also refused to provide a loaner car until they come up with a way to fix my car leaving me on the side of the road with nothing to drive it's unacceptable! My safety and everybody's safety on the road is affected by this because the car won't stop if you drive it and you have really strong legs you can get it to slow down and eventually stop it's completely unsafe The brake pedal cannot tell the computer where it is in its travel which means the system doesn't know that you're applying the brakes which don't work. Yes the problem has been confirmed by two shops one of which has a snap-on scanner which I can attach the scan to showing the issue and currently the car is sitting at a shop that uses Mercedes-Benz only star system the same system that they use in the dealership there is no question at any level what is wrong with the vehicle. The car is not safe to drive to the dealership and now in the winter this $132,000 convertible isn't going to be driven in the salt just to get to a dealership to find out what they're not going to do for me I've already confirmed and share the scans and images and everybody I've spoken with at the dealerships agrees that it's ridiculous that Mercedes has a 25-year warranty on a part that they do not make do not have and cannot fix Yes there are two different brake malfunction lights that are on the dash you cannot clear them as though in a code way like you can on some things and the car is not to be driven, the problem first arose a couple months ago and we started diagnosing it until on the Facebook forum somebody told me that it's covered by a 25-year SBC warranty which when I contacted the dealer and Mercedes-

Dec 03, 2025

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE HAS A BRACKET ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK THAT COMES DISENGADED AND CAUSES THIS DISTINCTIVE NOISE WHICH SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING SWINGING AND TAPPING AGAINST THE GAS TANK AND I HAS TO HAPPEN A LOT DUE TO EVERY SERVICE I HAVE BEEN ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IT ALSO HAS TO BE SOMETHING WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES DUE TO ONLINE MERCEDES OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SOUND IS REALLY DISTURBING AND I WOULD LIKE AN ANSWER AS TO WHAT TO DO. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

May 18, 2019

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY MBUSA WHILE SEEKING THE TRUTH ON WHY MBUSA ALLOWED THESE VEHICLES TO ENTER THE USA KNOWING THESE CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUES EXISTED WHILE MISLEADING CONSUMERS AND, THE NHTSA. ON JANUARY 21, 2019 MY VEHICLE HAD WHAT IS DESCRIBED BY MBUSA AS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHEN THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE KILLED ME - AND, OTHER MOTORIST. MBUSA HAS REPLACED THE SBC UNIT AT LEAST 6 TIMES AND, STILL THE ISSUE AND, OTHER PERSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON AVERAGE 4,000 MILES ANNUALLY. HOW MANY FAILURES MUST HAPPEN BEFORE MBUSA IS FULLY INVESTIGATED? THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME ANY INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLES EXCEPT THE 4 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. ONCE I COMPLETE MY RESEARCH ON THESE VEHICLES I WILL SUBMIT MY FINDINGS TO THE NHTSA & MS. KING

Feb 01, 2019

SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION OR FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY DEFAULT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE. IN THE BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SSC PUMP UNIT IN CERTAIN SL MODELS. THE MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NUMBERS ARE 2005070007 AND 2005110001. RESEARCH SHOWS ONLY 59% OF THE 100% REQUIRED RECALL WAS DONE PROPERLY BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THIS ISSUE WAS NOT DISCLOSED WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND, THE REQUIRED WORK WAS NOT DONE AND, MERCEDES SAID THE 60 DAYS FROM RECALL HAD PASSED - YET THE REPORTS SENT TO NHTSA BY MERCEDES BENZ APPEARS TO BE FALSE DATA - THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

Oct 26, 2018

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

"TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS)

Apr 10, 2017

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

I LIVE IN TEXAS AND MY MERCEDES WENT INTO LIMP MODE AT A RED LIGHT. I CAN NOT GET MY TRANSMISSION REPAIRED ANYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE THEY HAVE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY OTHER SHOPS TO BE ABLE TO SERVICE THIS SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION. THEY TELL ME AND I QUOTE "WE ARE UNABLE TO WORK ON THIS TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS WHICH ONLY MERCEDES DEALERSHIP CARRY SO YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THEM, SORRY" PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE RECALL THIS TRANSMISSION!!! ANOTHER TIME I WAS DIVING DOWN THE HWY DOING 70MPH WHEN THE ABC TOO LOW DASH LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS MY CAR DROPPING 2 INCHED TO THE GROUND AS I WAS DRIVE 70MPH PLUS I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. AND ONCE AGAIN NO ONE COULD WORK ON IT BECAUSE IT REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS. AND THE ONE PLACE THAT COULD SAID THEY WERE MERCEDES BENZ CERTIFIED. AFTER HAVING MY CAR 3 DAYS AND PAYING $125 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO BE $5000+ TO FIX. LONG STORY SHORT I PAYED THE CAR LOT WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM $3587.00 TO FIX IT .

Feb 04, 2017

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THERE IS A CONSTANT SWINGING NOUSE IN THE WALL BEHIND THE SEATS WHICH IS CONSISTANT TO THE PROBLEMS A LOT OF OWNERS ARE HAVING. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY MERCEDES AND THE NOISE JUST SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING IS FREE SWINGING INSIDE THE TANK OR AROUND IT WHICH IS VERY IRRITATING FOR SUCH A LUXURY VEHICLE. PLEASE GIVE ME A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE COMMON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OR STOPPING.

Jul 06, 2016

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH. THE ACTIVATE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO DROP LOWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

May 04, 2016

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY BUMPER TO BUMPER RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN THE CARS IN FRONT APPROACHED THE RED LIGHT I BEGUN TO APPLY BRAKES AND MY BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND UNTIL I STOOD UP ON THE BRAKES AND AS A RESULT I REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. I CARRIED THE CAR TO THE MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP IN BEVERLY HILLS AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED A ABS PUMP FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER CARRIED IT IN, THEREFORE, I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THEN ON OR ABOUT SEPT 18, THE ABC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO DROP TOO LOW TO SAFELY DRIVE.

Sep 20, 2015

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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

Jan 03, 2015

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND HIT BUMP ON FREEWAY THE ABC LIGHTS COME ON VECHICLE HARD TO COTROL HERE RUBBING , VEHICLE TO LOW FLASHES WENT STRAIGHT TO DEALER. *TR

Aug 22, 2014

STEERING,SUSPENSION

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING 30MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROCKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HELD THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY, BUT THE CAR STARTED MOVING TO THE RIGHT, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. IT APPEARED TO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, IT WAS OKAY. WITHIN A WEEK OR SO, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, AGAIN. LUCKILY, BOTH TIMES, I WAS DRIVING LOCALLY AT A LOW SPEED, RATHER THAN AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65MPH. *JS

Jun 20, 2012

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. HYDRAULIC FLUID SPRAYED THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE RISES AND LOWERS UNEXPECTEDLY. IF THE VEHICLE SITS FOR LONGER THAN TWO WEEKS, IT WILL DROP AT ONE SIDE OR TIRE. *TR

Mar 24, 2012

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

SOMETHING CALLED AN ABC PUMP AND BLOCK HAS FAILED AND CAR DROPS DOWN ON FRAME. SPENT $3200 ON THE PUMP TO DRIVE 2 MONTHS BEFORE THEY WANT $3800 TO REPAIR THE VALVE BLOCK. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE DROPS AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO A BAFFLE COMING LOOSE IN THE GAS TANK THAT HAS METAL BASHING METAL INSIDE THE GAS CELL. *TR

Jan 06, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL WAS LEAKING FLUID NEAR THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V263000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) PERTAINING TO THE CL CLASS MODEL BUT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL COMPONENT WAS THE SAME IN THE SL CLASS MODELS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Jul 27, 2011

SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

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 TO OBSERVE THE POTHOLE HAZARD AND CATEGORIZE AS SAFETY RISK AT SPEEDS OF 70MPH(103FT/SEC) REACT PHYSIOLOGICALLY AND ACTUATE STEERING SYSTEM -ALL IN LESS THAN ONE SECOND-ONE HALF SECOND EACH FOR HUMAN RESPONSE AND SAME FOR MECHANICAL ACTUATION-INSUFFICIENT TIME TO AVOID POT HOLE HIT. DARK OR LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS RENDER POTHOLE MISS IMPOSSIBLE. IN ANY CASE, THE IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED SOFT LOW STRENGTH ALLOY WHEEL DESIGN LEADS ANY PRUDENT VEHICLE DRIVER INTO A CRASH TRAP. WHEEL,TIRE, SUSPENSION DAMAGE EVIDENT-NEEDS CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY AT EXPENSE OF MERCEDEZ-BENZ.. WIFE WHIPLASH DUE TO SEVERE ABRUPT UNANTICIPATED FORCES IN BRINGING VEHICLE TO SAFE STOP. I HAVE NECK SORENESS AND AGGRAVATION OF PREVIOUS NECK INJURY LIKELY. *TR

Feb 21, 2010

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 2

WHEELS

1 complaint

MY MERCEDES BENZ SL 500 2004 CAME WITH CAR NEW ALLOY WHEELS ARE IMPROPERLY DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO MEET MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. RECENTLY AT NEAR SPEED LIMIT HIT A 2-3" POT HOLE IN ROAD. SOFT METAL ALLOY RF WHEEL BENT, "Z" RATED MICHELAN TIRE BLEW, FOLLOW-ON CONTROL PROBLEM PLACEDWIFE AND ME IN SERIOUS RISK OF ROLL-OVER AND WORSE BEFORE MY MB SL500 COULD BE BROUGHT TO SAFE STOP. RIGHT REAR ALLOY WHEEL ALSO SIMILAR FAILURE RECENTLY. THIS MB FAILURE WILL KILL MANY LESS SKILLED DRIVERS. NEEDS CORRECTED ASAP. THIS CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT HIGH SPEED OR OUT OF TOWN REMOTE AREAS. OLD PART AVAILABLE. SATISFACTORY SAFETY FIX NOT KNOWN TO ME. TORRANCE CA. MB DEALER REFUSED CORRECTION. THIS CAR IS A DEATH TRAP!! *TR

Feb 10, 2010

Injuries: 2

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO UPSHIFT BEYOND THIRD GEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. COULD ONLY GO 30MPH AS REVS HIGH. HAD TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION. ONLY 39,000 MILES ON CAR. NOT ABUSED. *TR

Jun 24, 2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WHEN TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONER OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE ACCESSORY THE HEADLIGHTS DIM OR THEY FLASH ON AND OFF AS IF GOING FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM, ETC. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 040842001A. *AK

Apr 11, 2005

4.4/5.0

55 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class have?

The 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class currently has 54 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.