AI DamageMercedes-Benz SL55: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mercedes-Benz SL55 across 5 model years: 21 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 24% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 19% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 19% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 14% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 14% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 10% of all complaints
- 7 Electronic stability control 5% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (24% of all).
- Service brakes: 4 complaints (19% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Suspension: 4 complaints (19% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (14% of all).
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (14% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 21 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Another time pulling into a parking space no brakes again and if it weren't for the concrete block I would have run into the store front. The last time was at my home - pulling into the driveway.
In addition, the contact stated that prior to receiving the Active Body Control message, several fluid stains were found on the ground. The contact believed that the stains were hydraulic fluid.
It catches fire and burns down vehicles in MANY instances. Mercedes is not selling a replacement part because they want to save money. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRONIC ASSISTED BRAKING SYSTEM!!! The BCM balances battery loads in the vehicle.
The battery control module (known as the BCM or BNS) failed, triggering a fire. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks.
It appears the BCM (Battery Control Module) caught fire and burned a significant portion of the trunk and associated wiring.
The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel tank was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The cause of the crack was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.