Electrical
Filed Nov 23, 2025
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 prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. • The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE – potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL owner's experience. • MBUSA, its dealers, many SL owners, independent service centers and salvage yards are aware of this problem: multiple reports detailing it can easily be found on the Internet. Possible modifications to alleviate the danger have been affected by some SL owners, one picture of which has been uploaded here. • Mercedes-Benz is surely aware of the issue but has not recalled nor issued TSBs associated with this serious problem, nor has MBUSA acknowledged that vehicles modifications to alleviate the risk of failure and subsequent fires have been developed by owners and mechanics. • No symptoms are known to appear prior to melt-down, other than odors and/or smoke emanating from the SL's trunk. By then, it is TOO LATE. I respectfully request NHTSA open an investigation into this issue and require Mercedes-Benz address it by affecting modification or replacements of the faulty BCM system components in R230 vehicles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11701077
- Incident
- Oct 13, 2023
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 the dealership and they said there are no open recalls.
- NHTSA ID
- 11642407
- Incident
- Aug 21, 2024
Electrical
Filed Dec 2, 2022
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 drained. There are many forms describing the same issue but yet the SL model is not included in a civil lawsuit. Mercedes-Benz definitely knows they have an issue in somehow it needs to be rectified.
- NHTSA ID
- 11495761
- Incident
- Dec 1, 2022
[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 now . I am stop using for a while . I try to bring in dealer for diagnose last 2 years ago they cant find the problem even my person mechanic. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- NHTSA ID
- 11468670
- Incident
- Nov 15, 2019
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 went to a dealer 2 years ago for but on their diagnose they don saw anything about this issue. Before its happen only when the weather is cold and car cold too but now while you on the road keep losing brake
- NHTSA ID
- 11464873
- Incident
- Oct 22, 2018
Catastrophic brake failure. No brakes at all.
- NHTSA ID
- 11455546
- Incident
- Mar 2, 2022
The brake handle popped off for parking brake
- NHTSA ID
- 11455468
- Incident
- Mar 5, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Jan 17, 2017
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 COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS MANY MERCEDES MODELS INCLUDING THE R230 SL550. PART OF THE DOOR HANDLE ACTUATION MECHANISM IS MADE OF FRAGILE PLASTIC AND, OR NYLON THAT WEARS PREMATURELY.
- NHTSA ID
- 10945750
- Incident
- Jan 15, 2017
- Mileage
- 92,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 20, 2015
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 REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 10700587
- Incident
- Feb 7, 2015
- Mileage
- 60,000 mi
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Mar 6, 2012
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 12/27/11 AND 12/28/11. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,892 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 15,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ UPDATED 04/09/12 THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT GRILL, BUMPER AND RETRACTABLE ROOF WERE REPLACED. UPDATED EVOQ 04/10/12 UPDATED EVOQ 05/08/12
- NHTSA ID
- 10450455
- Incident
- Dec 27, 2011
- Mileage
- 13,892 mi
Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Mar 14, 2011
TIRE FAILURE--BULGING/RIM DAMAGE ;REPLACING THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 8500 MILES. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10390177
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2011
- Mileage
- 7,500 mi
Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Mar 14, 2011
PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10390176
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2011
- Mileage
- 7,500 mi
Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Mar 13, 2011
AT 2595 MILES,I NEEDED TO REPLACE 3 TIRES AND REPAIR 2 RIMS ON MY 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550;AT 7400 MILES,ANOTHER TIRE WITH A BULGE;AT 8000 MILES,3 MORE TIRES WITH BUBBLES...AWAITING MY SERVICE APPOINTMENT;AFAID TO DRIVE AND APPREHENSIVE TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FEAR OF LOSING COVERAGE.THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT-NO TIRE WARRANTY AND THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME IT IS ME! MY CAR IS JUST TWO YEARS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 8500 MILES ON IT.I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS MAKE/MODEL FOR 23 YEARS WITH NO PRIOR INCIDENT. THIS CAR WILL HAVE ITS THIRD SET OF TIRES AND MULTIPLE RIM REPAIRS AT 8500 MILES OR SO! *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10389952
- Incident
- Sep 23, 2009
- Mileage
- 2,595 mi
Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Sep 28, 2010
UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10358122
- Incident
- Sep 21, 2010
- Mileage
- 9,660 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 13, 2010
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE MARCH 2009 AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 11 TIRES AND 2 WHEELS AND HAVE HAD 3 WHEELS REPAIRED. THIS IS DUE TO LOW PROFILE TIRES WHICH DEVELOP BULGES. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10319393
- Incident
- Mar 10, 2010
- Mileage
- 1,000 mi
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.