MotorDeets

Mercedes-Benz 500SL problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every 500SL from 1990 to 1992: 11 owner complaints and 3 recalls across 3 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1992 (5), 1990 (3), 1991 (3). Best fuel economy: 14 mpg combined (1992).

Mercedes-Benz 500SL
Photo: Jiří Sedláček · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Tires4
Electrical3
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Speed control / throttle1
Seats1
Brakes (hydraulic)1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19901314
19911314
19921514

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mercedes-Benz 500SL.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz 500SL?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1992 (5), 1990 (3), 1991 (3).

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz 500SL had?

Across 1990–1992, NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).