2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,499miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 3% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,499 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.
“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl 500. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving over a water puddle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who replaced the oil pan, valve cover, and engine. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10616776, filed 2014-07, 64,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz SL500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, she smelled smoke coming from the engine. The contact stated that the abc and stop vehicle too low warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that while driving, the front end of the vehicle started to scrape the ground. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and noticed that it was leaking fluid. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. It was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed but the vehicle has not been repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10811960, filed 2015-12, 86,998 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500
34 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 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