MotorDeets

Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Sl 550 from 2018 to 2020: 1 owner complaints and 9 recalls across 3 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2020 (1). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2020).

Mercedes-Benz Sl 550
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Speed control / throttle1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20182020
20194020
20203120

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 Sl 550.

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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 Sl 550?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2020 (1).

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz Sl 550 had?

Across 2018–2020, NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).