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2003 Mercedes-Benz SL230Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL230, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage48kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 30, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL230 has problems

1 complaint 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
Service brakes, hydraulic10

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

1 recall

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL230 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

Suspension

Recall 08V-405 · Aug 14, 2008 · 4,564 vehicles

Risk. A VARIATION IN THE TRANSMITTED VALUES BETWEEN AFFECTED AND UNAFFECTED SENSORS CAN RESULT IN ONE FRONT STRUT ADJUSTING TO A VALUE INDICATING BODY MOVEMENT WHILE…

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

2003 vs. every other SL230 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 SL230 median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SL230 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

IN OUR MERCEDES THE SENSOR TOLD THE COMPUTER THAT THE CAR WAS ON ICE AND LOCKED UP THE BRAKES CAUSE THE CAR TO GO INTO A SPIN. *TR
Complaint 10240350 · Aug 30, 2008 · 47,800 miles

Own a 2003 SL230?

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