2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 5% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 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.
“Our 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 became stuck in park and could not get out of park despite a variety of recommended attempts (turning key to on but not starting and pumping brakes, etc.). It was towed to the dealership and is currently being repaired for about $1300. From researching on the internet I see this is a common problem with this model car and may be due to a single plastic part in the shifter which is associated with the vehicle anti-theft system (interlock?). Apparently the replacement part is heavier duty - may be aluminum not plastic (?). …”
NHTSA complaint #10394283, filed 2011-04, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10165839Jul 14, 2014Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10165844Jul 10, 2014Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- 10166982Feb 19, 2014During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10167545Jul 12, 2013During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
Transmission and drivetrain: 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 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