Mercedes-Benz SL320 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Mercedes-Benz SL320 (1995–1997) that have at least 5 complaints. 1995 has the most, with 16. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (13 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All SL320 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 | 150,000 | 1 | 5 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 16 | 137,500 | 0 | 2 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system13 57%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)2 8.7%
- Engine cooling2 8.7%
- Engine2 8.7%
- Wheels1 4.3%
- Seat belts1 4.3%
- Other or unknown1 4.3%
- Exterior lighting1 4.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1995: “After a windshield replacement by safelite auto glass I had 3 small impact which caused a crack and now is growing, I believe the replacement windshield is not to standards, after numerous visits back to safelite and a call to the company's corporate office all they will do is offer a reduced price for the same quality product, unacceptable!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10819643, filed 2016-01, 155,000 miles1997: “At a slow 5 MPH parking lot speed the seat belt tensioning devices ignited. The srs system malfunctioned. There were no impacts, previous collisions, or any reason for these pre-tensioning devices to activate. It was starting and my wife's chest hurt for a few days after.”
NHTSA complaint #11194968, filed 2019-04, 150,000 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,963 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML320
740 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
657 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology