repaired · 2021 Q1
Communication
Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550, most often about the steering. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-787 the manufacturer reports only 78% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 28, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Steering
4Power train
4Engine
3Wheels
2Vehicle speed control
1Service brakes
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 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.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Air bags: side/window
Risk. If the OCS does not detect a very light person sitting in the seat, the passenger side air bag would be turned off.
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
2013 vs. every other SL 550 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 SL 550 median. How we score
'03'07'08'09'11'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What SL 550 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced at a tire shop, he was informed that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be…
Own a 2013 SL 550?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.