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1990 Mercedes-Benz 500slProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500sl, most often about the tires. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage82kTires, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 21, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500sl has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Tires20
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1990 Mercedes-Benz 500sl recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist

Recall 93V-067 · Apr 28, 1993 · 14,300 vehicles

Risk. LACK OF SUFFICIENT BRAKE POWER ASSIST WILL INCREASESTOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1990 vs. every other 500sl year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 500sl median. How we score

'90'91'92
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 500sl owners report

Recent tires complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

PIRELLI TIRES (4) BOUGHT 6/13/10. MY LEFT REAR TIRE EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A THREE LANE HIGHWAY ON 7/21/10 (38 DAYS LATER). LUCKILY I WAS ON IN THE RIGHT LANE AND BARELY MADE IT TO AN EXIT LANE. THE TIRE IS PIRELLI FOUR SEASONS P6. 225/55R15 I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE…
Complaint 10344630 · Jul 21, 2010 · 81,740 miles

Own a 1990 500sl?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.