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1997 Mercedes-Benz SL ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints21 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Air bags

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 15, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL Class has problems

2 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
Air bags21
Seat belts10

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

1 recall

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL Class 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

Air bags: frontal

Recall 99V-327 · Nov 22, 1999 · 4,402 vehicles

Risk. CORROSION OF THE IGNITION FILAMENT CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED UNINTENTIONALLY.

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

1997 vs. every other SL Class 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 Class median. How we score

'96'97'98'02'03'04'05'06'09'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. INADVERTENT SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENRQ00013 · closed Jul 20, 2001
    Led to recall 00V-388
In owners' words

What SL Class owners report

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

DURING VEHICLE COLLISION SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PROPERLY (BETTER HARNESS CONTROL) AND NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. MJS
Complaint 546147 · Jun 16, 1999

Own a 1997 SL Class?

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