AI Damage2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55: common problems
Owners of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 11
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 18% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 18% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 18% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 18% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 9% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 9% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (18% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (18% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (18% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (18% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (9% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 11 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 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 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.
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.
Plastic piece on gearshift assembly broke not allowing car to be placed in gear. Is apparently a problem with 1000's of these cars based on internet search. Contacted mercedes and they said not their problem. They charge $1300.00 to fix the problem.
Internal gas tank baffle has come loose inside the gas tank. This causes a consistent and very annoying rattling sound.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl55 amg. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he could hear something moving abnormally within the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that he needed to replace the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired.
When the vehicle was turned on noise was near the brake system and there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic stated that the sbc hydraulic system was inoperable and there was no communication with the pump motor.
Defective fuel tank baffles. Fuel tank baffle(s) come loose and bounce around inside tank banging the sides of the fuel tank.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,521 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 29% most complained about).
On average one model year of the SL55 has 4 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 11, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, fuel system. Total complaints: 11. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (27%), brake failure (9%), knocking, grinding or other noise (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2003 models
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.