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2005 Mercedes-Benz SL ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2005 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 complaints22 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage35kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 15, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 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 bags11
Suspension10
Vehicle speed control11

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

1 recall

2005 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

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 05V-133 · Apr 1, 2005 · 204,000 vehicles

Risk. IN THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND THE BRAKE…

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

2005 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
In owners' words

What SL Class owners report

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCEDES SL600. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE PRECEDING VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUBPTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. HE…
Complaint 10245571 · Oct 15, 2008 · 34,581 miles

Own a 2005 SL Class?

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