2003 Mercedes-Benz Sl Class Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Sl Class, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes315.0%
- Suspension210.0%
- Driver assistance210.0%
- Electrical210.0%
- Visibility210.0%
- Engine210.0%
- Body & structure210.0%
- Fuel system15.0%
- Airbags15.0%
- Interior & seats15.0%
- Tires & wheels15.0%
- Transmission15.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM OUR HOUSE WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. SHE WAS ON A BACK ROAD AND HAD TO BRAKE FOR A STOP SIGN. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TO AVOID REAR ENDING A CAR STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN, AND FINALLY BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. THE BRAKES STARTED TO WORK WITH ABOUT 1" OF PEDAL FROM THE FLOOR. SHE SAID IT WAS SO HARD TO PUSH ON THE PEDAL THAT SHE COULD BARELY DO IT. LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT HURT. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR ROAD OR HIGHWAY THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. APPARENTLY THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR FOR A NEW BRAKING SYSTEM REFERRED TO A "DRIVE BY WIRE". EURO MOTORCARS IN MD INFORMED ME THAT BECAUSE MERCEDES HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE WITH THIS NEW SYSTEM THAT THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR 10 ADDITIONAL YEARS. THE NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS BRAKE FAILURE ISSUE WAS FOR COMPLETE PARTS AND LABOR. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY. NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I HAVE HAD THE CAR SERVICED EXCLUSIVELY, NOTIFIED ME OF ANY WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS VERY SERIOUS BRAKING FAILURE ISSUE. I FIND THIS REPREHENSIBLE! MY WIFE COULD HAVE KILLED. WHY WAS SUCH A SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUE NOT MADE A RECALL INSTEAD OF "IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WARRANTY EXTENSION"? AT THE VERY LEAST MERCEDES SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL CARS WITH THIS POTENTIAL BRAKING FAILURE. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE SBC HYDRAULIC BRAKING UNIT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO EURO MOTORCARS WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. I ASKED THE SERVICE WRITER IF IT COULD BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED THIS PAST FEBRUARY 2013. MERCEDES TOLD ME THE SAME THING. TOUGH LUCK! IN ADDITION TO HELPING RECOVER THIS EXPENSE OF $1593.81 PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS WAS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. NO RECALL AND NO NOTIFICATION. SOMEONE COULD HAVE KILLED! *TR
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 IN DECEMBER OF 2003. AS OF TODAY 8 NOVEMBER 2005, THE SUSPENSION APPARENTLY CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CAR HAS BEING TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE EIGHT (8TH) TIME TO REPAIR THE SUSPENSION. IT IS CURRENTLY ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA, MERCEDES BENZ AS OF NOVEMBER 9TH, 2005. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME FROM A DINNER ENGAGEMENT, LATE OCTOBER 2005, ONE OF THE FRONT HYDRAULIC SHOCK DROPPED AND THE VEHICLE LITERALLY CHANGED LANES. FORTUNATELY, NO CARS WERE BESIDE ME AT THE TIME. I AM WRITING TO THE NHTSA TO GET THEIR ASSISTANCE IN DETERMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH ITS UNPREDICTABLE LEVEL OF SAFETY. I AM APPALLED BY MERCEDES BENZ LACK OF CONCERN TO REPLACE THIS VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR IT. I REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE TO DETERMINE MY NEXT STEPS OR ANY ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO COMPEL THE MANUFACTURER TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER. *JB
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HESITATION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED.*MR ON ONE OCCASIONS WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE GAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND THE CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE EXHAUST. *JB
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I TURNED KEY AND CAR DID NOT START. I ENDED UP GETTING STUCK EITHER AT HOME OR IN A SHOPPING CENTER. CAR HAD TO BE PUT ON A FLAT BED. DEALER RELPACED PARTS EACH TIME , BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
THE HEATER MOTOR HAD BLOWN OUT. THE VEHICLE BOX CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE FIRE MELTED THE MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS. *SCC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 320 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HESITATION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED.*MR ON ONE OCCASIONS WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE GAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND THE CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE EXHAUST. *JB
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
IN THE RIGHT DOOR PANEL THERE IS A GLUE THAT SEALS THE PANELS TOGETHER. THIS GLUE GIVES OFF TOXIC FUMES. CONSUMER'S WIFE IS CURRENTLY SEEING A NEUROLOGIST FOR PROBLEMS SUFFERED FROM INHALING THE FUMES. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO INCIDENT. WAS DRIVING AND AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, HEARD BUMPING SOUND FROM CAR. ASKED MERCEDES WHAT IT WAS, THEY SAID LOOSE BAFFLE IN GAS TANK. SOUNDS LIKE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY PERIOD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE (2003 MB SLK320) WAS PURCHASED ON 4/14/2004 IN AZ AND BEGAN NOTICING PROBLEMS ON THE DRIVE BACK TO NM. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SAFETY PROBLEM INVOLVES THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE MANUFACTURER 8 TIMES WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF OVER 68 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR UNSATISFACTORY REPAIRS IN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. TO THIS DATE, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS FORCING ME TO SEEK LEGAL SERVICES.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .