Mercedes-Benz Sl reliability
The Mercedes-Benz Sl fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 18.6% of 16,928 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
30 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Sl
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
SRPC2501 - Processor Starter/Generator
Mercedes-Benz has determined that on certain AMG GT Coupe (192 platform)S-Class (223 platform) SL (232 platform) GLC (254 platform) and AMG GT 4-doorsCoupe (290 platform) vehicles with hybrid powertrain the processor of the control unit of the high-voltage starter generator might experience sporadic overload.
Fix: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will update the software of the high-voltage starter generator on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SL · 4 vehicles
SRPC2401 - System protection
On certain vehicles some 80A fuses installed might not meet requirements.
Fix: Replace the respective main fuse boxes on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SL · 153 vehicles
On affected vehicles the 12V-starter / generator wiring harness might not meet specifications.
On affected vehicles the 12V-starter / generator wiring harness might not meet specifications.
Fix: Rework the routing of the wiring harness.
Recalled models: SL · 309 vehicles
On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
On affected vehicles the fuel pump impeller might not meet specifications and may deform.
Fix: Replace the fuel pump module.
Recalled models: SL · 391 vehicles
Software of the communication module may not correspond with the specifications
The software of the communication module may not correspond with the specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module in the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SL · 56 vehicles
The bolting connections of the driver and passenger seat rail and body shell might not meet the requirements
The bolting connections of the driver and passenger seat rail and the body shell might not meet the requirements.
Fix: Rework the bolt connection between the seat rail and the body shell.
Recalled models: SL · 15 vehicles
The hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel
The hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel.
Fix: Update the coding of the hand detection system on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SL · 423 vehicles
The software of the communication module might not meet specifications
On certain vehicles the software of the communication module might not meet specifications.
Fix: As a precautionary measure update the software of the communication module on the affected vehicles. This software update is planned to be performed over-the-air with no workshop visit being required.
Recalled models: SL · 486 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL · 21 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL 231 · 50,390 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 108,971 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 86,604 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL 231 · 90,716 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 81,267 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 162,581 vehicles
The emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL · 106,665 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 10,410 vehicles
The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications
The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.
Fix: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: SL · 36 vehicles
THE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM (eCall) DOES NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION
On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system
Recalled models: SL · 3,127 vehicles
Rear suspension mounting may not meet specification
A deviation in the production process may have led to a blowhole in the area of the front left suspension mounting point
Fix: Check the front left bolt connection. If the connection is impaired the defect is irreparable and a buyback of the vehicle is necessary.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 9 vehicles
The passenger air bag cushion may not have been sewn according to specification
Front passenger airbag cushion may not have been sewn correctly
Fix: Replace front passenger airbag on affected vehicles
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 88 vehicles
The refrigerant in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements
Fix: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.
Recalled models: SL 231 · 226 vehicles
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.
Fix: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.
Recalled models: SL 231 · 642 vehicles
Doors on left vehicle side (passenger side) remain permanently locked after the vehicle has been locked/unlocked with the remote control key
Possible inability to open the left hand door externally or internally.
Fix: Replace the affected door locks on the left side of the vehicle.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 5,030 vehicles
Loss of power steering support
It has been identified that the pins within the electric power assisted steering control unit may not have been contact welded correctly. This can result in an open circuit which will lead to a loss of power steering assistance and possible loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace electric power assisted steering.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 14 vehicles
Risk of fire
On a short production run certain SL Class vehicles had their air conditioning systems filled with the wrong refrigerant. Under normal driving there is not a safety risk. However should the vehicle be involved in a very heavy frontal impact accident which occurs in conjunction with a fracture of the refrigerant line it is possible that an engine compartment fire may occur.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the refrigerant with a version which is less flammable.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 4 vehicles
Driving stability may be affected
It has been identified that during production or a repair faulty Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors may have been fitted. This has the potential to cause vibrations at the front axle thus influencing the driving stability and operational safety.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the ABC acceleration sensor checked and replaced as necessary.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 256 vehicles
Brake pedal may require more effort than expected
Problems may occur with the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) hydraulic unit that could affect the input required by the driver to stop the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected so the SBC hydraulic unit can be checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 4,700 vehicles
Possibility of reduced braking efficiency
Premature wear of the Sensatronic Brake Control (SBC) unit may lead to a reduced braking efficiency
Fix: Recall affected vehicles download the latest software. Following the download the system will advise when the SBC hydraulic unit requires replacement.
Recalled models: SL CLASS · 39,742 vehicles
Unintentional deployment of air bag
Exposure to high humidity conditions may result in corrosion that can cause the drivers front air bag to deploy unintentionally.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace air bag.
Recalled models: SL · 7,041 vehicles
Checking a Mercedes-Benz Sl before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.