1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 100%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 100% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 2 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.
“Engine compartment fire near drivers firewall. Fire was extinguished however strong fuel vapors remained. Origin of fire unknown. I submitted a report for my 1999 mercedes which caught fire from the hood insulation falling onto the hot manifold in the same general area.”
NHTSA complaint #11301295, filed 2020-01, 194,000 miles“Started the car at work and it was running rough had no acceleration. Went into limp home mode and I was able to get home. A mechanic found the wiring harness was deteriorating, flaking and falling apart exposing all the wires. The car would no long even start. I called mercedes to see if they would help with the cost of the part replacement. They denied any problem with the product and would not assist in any repair. I logged a complaint with them under my name and have tried many times to get assistance with the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10861510, filed 2016-04, 40,000 miles“My wiring harness has disintegrated. I have shorts in the wiring that have so far affected the alternator, heating cooling, fuel injection and lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10172447, filed 2006-11, 89,000 miles“Factory material defect. Engine wire harness insulation is breaking down and flaking off, leaving exposed wire. Ignition is poor and threatens to stall, especially when engine temperature warms up to 85-90c. I fear the engine may fail or catch fire during a drive and cause an accident. There is also a short in the audio system. The vehicle is beautiful. It is a shame to have it sitting since 2008.”
NHTSA complaint #10924326, filed 2016-11, 90,000 miles“While attempting to track down the cause of an occasionally erratic idle I removed the engine cover to examine the plug wires and discovered a rather alarming problem/safety issue. The main engine wire harness for the fuel injectors and other engine systems had bare wires!!?? Upon further examination the wire insulation appears to have simple vanished??? …”
NHTSA complaint #10225276, filed 2008-04, 117,000 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500
← All problems reported for the 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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