There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500R, but owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500R problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500R complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · at 82,000 miles · reported Jul 22, 2017
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-0012a which addresses this issue. Mercedes stopped installing this system in 2006. At the very least, mercedes should issue a mandatory recall to interrogate these vehicles with star das to determine how close to the service threshold the sbc unit is…
Steering · at 105,000 miles · reported Mar 29, 2013
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 direction. Very lucky that there was no one to crash into. Also lucky the steering mechanism broke at below 5 MPH instead of fwy speed. The steering wheel could freely spin 10+ turn in each direction, while front wheels direction was completely unchanged.
Suspension · at 59,000 miles · reported May 30, 2012
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 top of the tire. The manufacturer was contacted and denied any assistance with the repairs because the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 08v405000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was…
Other Mercedes-Benz SL500R years
No other model years have data.
Compare all Mercedes-Benz SL500R years · All Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500R have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500R as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500R?
Owners report suspension problems most often (2 reports), followed by steering (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.
Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.