3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class.
3
recalls
3
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class recalls
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · reported July 7, 2008 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 404 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
The fix
Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA campaign 05V133000 · reported April 1, 2005 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 204,000 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
On certain vehicles, the sensotronic brake control (sbc) system may prematurely shift to the hydraulic back-up function mode, due to deterioration of the wiring harness connection, or due to premature failure of the hydraulic pump.
The risk
In the hydraulic back-up mode, the driver has braking power sufficient to stop the vehicle, although greater brake pedal pressure is required and the brake pedal travel will be noticeably longer.
The fix
Dealers will install a bracket and replacement ground wire to the sbc pump unit on all vehicles free of charge. Additionally dealers will inspect and replace the sbc pump unit in sl vehicles produced during a limited production period. The recall began on august 8, 2005. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA campaign 04V296000 · reported June 22, 2004 · MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. · 143,387 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
On certain vehicles, the electronic monitoring system of the sensotronic brake control (sbc) is designed to monitor the pressure gradient within the high pressure line of the brake system. If an unacceptable pressure gradient is detected, the system will switch, as it is designed to do, into the hydraulic function mode.
The risk
If vehicles are not routinely serviced and have extremely high mileage combined with a high number of brake actuations, or a high brake actuation frequency, the pump motor of the sbc may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydraulic function mode.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the sbc hydraulic unit, replacing it if necessary. The recall began on october 21m 2004. Owners should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Equipment1
Exterior lighting1
Structure1
Suspension1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jan 6, 2012 · Suspension
SOMETHING CALLED AN ABC PUMP AND BLOCK HAS FAILED AND CAR DROPS DOWN ON FRAME. SPENT $3200 ON THE PUMP TO DRIVE 2 MONTHS BEFORE THEY WANT $3800 TO REPAIR THE VALVE BLOCK. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE DROPS AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO A BAFFLE COMING LOOSE IN THE GAS TANK THAT HAS METAL BASHING METAL…
Apr 11, 2005 · Equipment · 1,000 miles
WHEN TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONER OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE ACCESSORY THE HEADLIGHTS DIM OR THEY FLASH ON AND OFF AS IF GOING FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM, ETC. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 040842001A.
Dec 9, 2004 · Service brakes, hydraulic
RECALL CAMPAIGN: RECALL 2004 050014 NOTICE RECEIVED FOR DEFECTIVE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE. THE SERVICE DEALER COMPUTERS DISENGAGED THE CONSUMERS BRAKING SYSTEM, THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 ROADSTER.
Does the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, the most recent reported on July 7, 2008 (Electrical system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (2 complaints), followed by equipment (1).
How many 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL Class complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 3 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 6, 2012.