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1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints61 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 9, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 has problems

6 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
Electrical system21
Engine and engine cooling21
Equipment10
Seat belts10
Visibility10
Wheels10

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

1 recall

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL320 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 SL320 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 SL320 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SL320 owners report

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

WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE BUT IT DID NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER THEN OPENED THE TRUNK AND AT THAT TIME THE CONSUMER SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE CONSUER THEN…
Complaint 10015883 · Apr 22, 2003
BURN SMELL COMING FROM ELECTRICAL HARNESS BOX. MR THE HARNESS BOX WAS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN OIL LEAK. *JB
Complaint 10015179 · Mar 31, 2003

Own a 1997 SL320?

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