2009 Mercedes Benz Sl550 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (5) · Wheels (4) · Electrical System (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes Benz Sl550 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (58)
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
Wheels 2026-05-15 · LI40.10-P-061032 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint noises at the front axle when cornering or maneuvering (video files attached) note: save video files locally and play them with windows media player. cause driving with summer tires in combination with low outside temperatures. at low outside temperatures or in wet conditions, a noise may
Showing the 6 most recent of 58 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-11-23 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“i'm reporting a serious safety issue affecting all mercedes-benz r230 series sl roadsters, model years 2003–2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the united states: • there are numerous reports on r230 sl owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the bcm [battery control module] is p…”
2025-02-13 · Service Brakes“complete brake failure while driving. no one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. now the abs and srs lights on. brake pedal to the floor. i completely have new brakes speed sensors fluid exchanges and more. the current recall doesn’t seem to cover my vehicle. i contacted …”
2022-12-02 · Electrical System“this particular model 2009 mercedes sl 550 hardtop convertible 5.5 liter motor has two batteries and accessory battery that battery that’s located in the trunk in the main starting battery that’s on the firewall. these batteries are both new in oem recommended. if the car sits for 24 hours, it will not start. the electrical system is completely dra…”
2022-06-10 · Service Brakes“[xxx] [xxx] [xxx] vin # [xxx] sl550 2009 since i bought this car 3 years ago the first day i am using it i got the problem say reduced braking power, depress brake pedal fully. i thought only when the weather is cold but now after 15 minutes minutes i am running on the road losing brake it is scary not only one time its always every 30 minutes n…”
2022-05-16 · Service Brakes“i bought the almost 3 years now since i bought it i seen and message on the dash board reduced braking power depress brake pedal fully . i search on the website most the mercedez benz has same problem but when check my vin number i saw no issue on my sl550 2009. i almost depress on my car ill spend a lot of money and its dangerous to used it i…”
2022-03-07 · Service Brakes“the brake handle popped off for parking brake…”
2022-03-07 · Service Brakes“catastrophic brake failure. no brakes at all.…”
2017-01-17 · Structure:body · 92,000 mi“my car was parked and i attempted to open the driver's door as i was seated in driver's seat and i heard a loud popping noise. the door lock mechanism has failed such that the driver's door can not be opened from the interior which presents a serious safety issue. despite being covered by an extended a mercedes cpo warranty mercedes refuses to cove…”
2015-03-20 · Electrical System · 60,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2009 mercedes benz sl550. while trying to exit the vehicle, the door handle fractured and all of the doors automatically locked preventing the contact from exiting the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the computer's theft system engaged once the door handle fractured and needed to be r…”
2012-03-06 · Structure · 13,892 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2009 mercedes benz sl550. the contact stated that the brakes failed while traveling 35 mph and attempting to stop. the brake pedal was depressed into the floorboard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was told that the hydraulic brake system failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired between 1…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.