2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 6% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 miles.
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.
“I was driving an 03 SL500 and from the start the battery light (white stayed on) replaced both front and back battery and voltage regulator, now the red battery light is on and stays on. On last night, while driving down the highway, I heard a pop, car dropped and warning came on saying car was too low and fluid is leaking from the front driver side look like by the front wheel. Mechanic did a lot of guessing and still not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10862721, filed 2016-05, 84,000 miles“I was driving on the freeway when the idler pulley simply fell off the front of the engine. Obviously, the belt came off too. The vehicle was hard to control since the power steering stopped working. Additionally, breaking effort increased, stability control malfunctioned, and a few other non-essential systems became inoperable.”
NHTSA complaint #10453121, filed 2012-03, 90,000 miles“Suspension drops overnight and has dropped while in motion on the expressway. Red warning to limit speed constantly comes on especially if low on fluid and on bumps. The dealer cannot isolate the cause of pressure or excessive hydraulic fluid leaks. Front bumper damaged as a result. Over $8000.00 spent and problem not resolved. No confidence in the car unless the supply of fluid is carried in the car at all times. Dealer wanted $16,000.00 to diagnose and possibly repair but offered no warranty for work.”
NHTSA complaint #10920135, filed 2016-10, 71,000 miles“Mercedes benz 2003 sl 500. In 2011 with 34,000 miles on engine, while driving on highway heard loud noise had to pull over quickly because front of car dropped rubbing on tires which resulted in one blown out tire and had car towed to nearest dealership, thank god cuz innocent people or myself could have been hurt seriously, this was a $5,000 job . 2014 with 45,000 miles on engine while driving on highway I heard again that distinctive loud sound which resulted in left side of car dropped rubbing on tires, fender and tire was damaged had car towed to nearest mb dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11165574, filed 2019-01, 34,000 miles“Abc and convertible are not functioning as its supposed, while the car not benn dring nor using the features. The keyless remote key entry is not working!”
NHTSA complaint #11061280, filed 2018-01Electronic stability control: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500
34 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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