2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Recalls, Complaints & Specs
3 safety recalls list the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
3 safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Electrical system
Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number…
Remedy: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited…
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Service brakes, hydraulic
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash and 1 describe a fire. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 24,508 miles. Complaints peaked in 2005 with 3 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“My wife was driving about 1/2 mile from our house when the brakes completely failed. She was on a back road and had to brake for a stop sign. She was able to pull off on the side of the road, to avoid”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, November 20, 2013 · Service brakes
“No incident. Was driving and as i pulled into my driveway, heard bumping sound from car. Asked mercedes what it was, they said loose baffle in gas tank. Sounds like manufacturing defect. Checked onlin”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, April 24, 2008 · Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (SL500, SL55 AMG). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 14–16 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 12–14 / 18–20 |
| Fuel | Premium |
| EPA class | Two Seaters |
| Engine | 8 cyl, 5/5.5 L |
| Transmission | Automatic 5-spd |
Compare Mercedes-Benz SL Class model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Mercedes-Benz SL Class model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 2 | 2 |
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 1 | 2 |
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 0 | 12 |
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 0 | 1 |
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 3 | 9 |
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 3 | 3 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 1 | 2 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class | 1 | 0 |
Checking a specific 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
How do I know if my 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 3 campaigns currently list the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 04V296000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
- C3003,469 complaints
- E3502,170 complaints
- E3201,164 complaints
- ML350952 complaints
- GLK350904 complaints
- ML320742 complaints
- C250726 complaints
- C230657 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.