2003 Mercedes Benz Sl500r problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (2) · Steering (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (26)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 26 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2017-07-22 · Suspension · 82,000 mi“this vehicle is equipped with sensotronic brake control that has a service threshold. when this threshold is reached the brake system defaults to non power assisted hydraulic mode to the front wheels only. this occurs without any prior warning and results in increased stopping distance. i have sent a copy of the mercedes service bulletin s142.46-p-…”
2013-03-29 · Steering · 105,000 mi“i was coming to a stop at a traffic light in left turn lane. at a very slow speed of less than 5 mph. suddenly my 2003 mercedes bens sl500 steering became disengaged from the from wheels. i had zero directional and turn control over the car. the car crossed the median yellow lines. at this moment no cars were passing by in the opposite dir…”
2012-05-30 · Suspension · 59,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl500r. the contact stated that while attempting a right turn, the vehicle exhibited a loud metal noise. the vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who performed a diagnostic and located the failure as the front passenger side strut sensor failing. the failure caused the front passenger side end to lie on…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.