2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 recalls and problems
No recalls and 80 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500.
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.
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
To who may this concerned, I have a 2003 Mercedes SL500 and recently found my battery control module caught on fire and burnt a section of my car. I have tried reaching out to Mercedes directly first and they said the car is 20 years ago and it could have not be a manufactured defect. Please I need help this problem…
I am concerned with the battery control module. I have noticed there has been a lot of incidents out there where the battery control module in the SL 500s have caught fire! I am concerned for my safety due to this defect!
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "Drive Carefully" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABC tandem pump, struts, and hoses needed to…
ABC (Active Body Control) light keeps coming on and body goes up and down when I drove car. Light says do not drive. Mercedes would not take responsibility for this in spite there are so many complaints about this. Really irresponsible by Mercedes.
I was driving my car at 45 mph and suddenly, unexpectedly a red light flashed ABC do not drive. Smoke was coming from under the car and the front end of the vehicle collapsed downwardly. I had to call for a tow truck to take my vehicle to the MB dealership. I'm I am waiting for the prognosis. I've had numerous issues…
SL500 model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 | 80 | 2 | 3 |
| 2004 | 0 | 45 | 4 | 3 |
| 2005 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 2 |
| 2006 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
Across all years, the 2003 SL500 has the most complaints (80). All Mercedes-Benz SL500 years →
Questions
- Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
- Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (34 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (11).
- How many 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 2 of 80 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 29, 2023.