1993 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 67%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 67% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1993 mer benz ffirst started to lose its power kinda like limp mode cuz the RPM wouldnt go past 2,000 until one day it started smoking really bad thru the vents and from under the hood until the car turned off and hasnt turned back on since I had the car towed to a local. Shop where I was informed about the fire the wiring harness had started due to the wires losing its insulation”
NHTSA complaint #11093439, filed 2018-05, 50 miles“Bad wiring harness. Insulation dangerously degraded within sheathing, causing a short in my engine. This should be a mercedes recall with parts and labor repairs paid by mercedes. This problem is as serious as the recent ignition switch problems. Had this happened on the interstate this could have easily caused a multiple fatality wreck. Please contact me asap!”
NHTSA complaint #10762699, filed 2015-09, 55,000 miles“Electrical wiring insulation is degrading on wiring harness(s) in engine compartment. This is a potential fire hazard which could lead to loss of life or serve property loss. I feel mercedes should provide complete replacement of these wiring harness's on affected model SL500, years 1991 thru 1996 regardless of the mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #10317711, filed 2010-03, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
- 10016687Mar 31, 2009Abc visit workshop displayed in instrument cluster and hydraulic fluid leakage. *tt updated 5/14/09. Models 215, 220 and 230. Model years unknown.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 21% |
| 2004 | 4 | 9% |
| 2003 | 10 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 33% |
| 1997 | 1 | 11% |
| 1996 | 3 | 50% |
| 1995 | 18 | 82% |
| 1994 | 8 | 100% |
| 1993 | 4 | 67% |
Other parts of the 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL500
← All problems reported for the 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology