2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl550 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (5) · Wheels (3) · Engine (3)
Safety recalls (3)
Communication 2019-11-01 · campaign 19V787000 · 24,226 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Steering:electric Power Assist System 2016-12-14 · campaign 16V899000 · 70 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving
Risk: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags:side/Window 2013-11-01 · campaign 13V542000 · 130 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SL63, SL550, and SL65 vehicles manufactured January 16, 2013, through April 30, 2013. The affected vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not detect a very light person sitting in the front passenger seat.
Risk: If the OCS does not detect a very light person sitting in the seat, the passenger side air bag would be turned off. In the event of a crash necessitating side air bag deployment, the passenger would be at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.
Service bulletins (87)
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,
Steering 2026-08-28 · LI46.35-P-067339 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint during part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. or rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control
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
Suspension 2026-07-08 · LI33.20-P-078406 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. sound file attached for comparison. must match noise for proper diagnos
Showing the 6 most recent of 87 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-03-28 · Engine“i was driving on a country road when all of a sudden my car lost power all the warning lights camo on the dashboard. smoke started billowing out from the back and front of the car. it turned off and i only coasted about a 100 feet. i could not safely pull off to the side of the road as the car had no power. thankfully the road was not very busy and…”
2024-12-09 · Steering · 60,000 mi“the contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz sl550. the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. there was no warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact …”
2024-06-07 · Suspension“the rear subframe experienced excessive levels of rust which caused the rear left side to suddenly collapse. after the collapse, the car would fish tail at low speeds (i.e., less than 15 miles per hour). i am thankful that the collapse did not happen when traveling at higher speeds such as an expressway, which would have certainly caused an acciden…”
2024-04-12 · Power Train“started the vehicle and used the gear selector to shift to drive. car did not go into gear. towed to dealer. dealer found faulty “ism module.” apparently a very common issue with these cars. so common that the part is in an “indefinite back order.” the replacement part is also revised because mercedes knows there was a manufacturer defect with the…”
2021-12-29 · Steering“our power steering went out all of a sudden. we took this to our mechanic who said it was a recall for the power steering. fletcher jones mercedes' looked at the vehicle did a computer update recall and said the power steering is not covered. the car is very unsafe and we need this fixed. …”
2021-11-30 · Engine“cam sensor seals failed which leaked oil into the wire harness, o2 sensors, and ecm. this happens to be a common problem with m278 engine. the repair was $10,217 to fix this issue. the car would not pass emissions without this repair. could oil into the electrical system pose a fire hazzard?…”
2021-06-01 · Steering · 65,000 mi“the contact owns a 2013 mercedes-benz sl550. the contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced at a tire shop, he was informed that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the steering a…”
2020-04-08 · Service Brakes · 36,800 mi · 💥 crash“jun 2017: annual service. ask to have brakes checked because brake pedal was travelling down to the floor. jun 2018: annual service. complaint: brake pedal would hit the floor and as it traveled down further, the engine acceleration ticked-up, at which time i released the brake pedal and re-applied the brakes successfully. jun 2019: annual …”
2019-04-27 · Steering · 31,000 mi“my car was manufactured in 12/12. i took my car in last year because suddenly my power steering quit working on me. my husband man-handled the steering and drove it 70 miles to the nearest dealership in lubbock, tx. they said it was a computer error and hooked up a device and said they updated the computer software, no parts replaced. today, su…”
2019-04-27 · Steering · 31,000 mi“my car had 30,000 miles on it when the steering mechanism quit working up and down. it turns out the problem is in the form of improper installation. there was nothing wrong with the part. part no. 231 460 02 31. this problem occurred at the factory. the technician over shot the adjustment length on installation, causing the power steering whee…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.