Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, the most recent reported on November 1, 2019 (Communication). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550?

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (5 complaints), followed by engine (4).

How many 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 17 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 17 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls

Communication

NHTSA campaign 19V787000 · reported November 1, 2019 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 24,226 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
The risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 16V899000 · reported December 14, 2016 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 70 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
The risk: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
The fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 13V542000 · reported November 1, 2013 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 130 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SL63, SL550, and SL65 vehicles manufactured January 16, 2013, through April 30, 2013. The affected vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not detect a very light person sitting in the front passenger seat.
The risk: If the OCS does not detect a very light person sitting in the seat, the passenger side air bag would be turned off. In the event of a crash necessitating side air bag deployment, the passenger would be at an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Steering5
Engine4
Power train4
Wheels3
Vehicle speed control2
Service brakes1
Suspension1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 28, 2025 · Engine
I was driving on a country road when all of a sudden my car lost power all the warning lights camo on the dashboard. Smoke started billowing out from the back and front of the car. It turned off and I only coasted about a 100 feet. I could not safely pull off to the side of the road as the car had no power. Thankfully…

Dec 9, 2024 · Steering · 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle…

Jun 7, 2024 · Suspension
The rear subframe experienced excessive levels of rust which caused the rear left side to suddenly collapse. After the collapse, the car would fish tail at low speeds (i.e., less than 15 miles per hour). I am thankful that the collapse did not happen when traveling at higher speeds such as an expressway, which would…

Apr 12, 2024 · Power train
Started the vehicle and used the gear selector to shift to Drive. Car did not go into gear. Towed to dealer. Dealer found faulty “ism module.” Apparently a very common issue with these cars. So common that the part is in an “indefinite back order.” The replacement part is also revised because Mercedes knows there was…

Dec 29, 2021 · Steering
Our power steering went out all of a sudden. We took this to our mechanic who said it was a recall for the power steering. Fletcher Jones Mercedes' looked at the vehicle did a computer update recall and said the power steering is not covered. The car is very unsafe and we need this fixed.

SL550 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2011	0	2	1
2013	3	17	1
2014	4	4	0
2015	3	2	0
2016	1	0	0

All Mercedes-Benz SL550 years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, the most recent reported on November 1, 2019 (Communication). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550?: Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (5 complaints), followed by engine (4).
How many 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 17 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 March 28, 2025.