Menu

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints95 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage56kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 23, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 has problems

9 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 bags42
Electrical system11
Engine10
Power train10
Seat belts10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10
Structure10

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

1 recall

1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 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 SL500 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 SL500 median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'03'04'05'06'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SL500 owners report

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

VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 209K MILES. SUNDAY 1/19/20 DRIVING WB ON MONTAUK HIGHWAY (NYS 27A?) AT QUOGUE NY. SPEED APPROX. 35-40 MPH. SLIGHT TURN/BEND IN ROAD TO THE RIGHT. SUNNY, DRY PAVEMENT. NO OTHER CARS FOLLOWING OR AHEAD, EITHER DIRECTION. VERY LOUD BANG HEARD INSIDE CABIN, BOTH SEATBELTS…
Complaint 11301461 · Jan 23, 2020 · 209,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MERCEDES-BENZ SL 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED UP TO 70 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS AND A SHATTERED SPINE. THE CONTACT…
Complaint 10411530 · Jul 8, 2011 · 130,000 miles
DT: CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A 1997 MERCEDES SL-500 IT WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK (T-BONED) ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT…
Complaint 10131538 · Aug 4, 2005 · 40,000 miles

Own a 1997 SL500?

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