Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every SL550 from 2003 to 2017: 65 owner complaints and 13 recalls across 10 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (17), 2007 (16), 2009 (15). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2017).
_by_Japan_specification_(Roof_Open).jpg){kind=link}
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 0 | 1 | – | |
| 2007 | 1 | 16 | 16 | |
| 2008 | 0 | 4 | 16 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 15 | 16 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 2 | 17 | |
| 2013 | 3 | 17 | 20 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 4 | 20 | |
| 2015 | 3 | 2 | 20 | |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | 19 | |
| 2017 | 1 | 4 | 20 |
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 SL550.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz SL550?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (17), 2007 (16), 2009 (15).
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz SL550 had?
Across 2003–2017, NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).