BrakesPart report

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Brakes Problems

Complaints: 11about this part
Share: 24%of 45 total for the year
Median mileage: 62,800miles
Trend: Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 24% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,800 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.

“I purchased this vehicle in 2014. My brakes completely went out while driving january 1 2018. I was attempting to stop at an intersection when the the vehicle would not stop with oncoming traffic on both sides coming towards me. I immediately pressed the accelerator and sped through the intersection to avoid an accident....absolutely terrifying and without any warning whatsoever. Because the dealership was closed I was unable to seek service that day. I called mercedes of richmond va being that was the closest dealership where I was visiting at at the time. …”

NHTSA complaint #11058517, filed 2018-01, 131,000 miles

“Was traveling behind another vehicle at approximately 35 MPH around 6pm when traffic ahead begun to slow and stop for the traffic light signal a change, upon attempting to stop the ABS brake system failed and only gave a warning until after my vehicle rear ended the car in front of causing me bet thrown violently forward and backward which, gave rise to whiplash injury, damaging the front end of my vehicle and the rear end of the vehicle in front with similar injuries the driver of the vehicle in front of me.”

NHTSA complaint #10654090, filed 2014-11, 100,560 miles

“I was traveling in trailing a safe distance behind another vehicle at a speed of about 35 miles per hour and as we approached s traffic signal, all cars begun to slow for the yellow light in order to prepare for a safe stop. How ever, upon my attempting to stop the brakes suddenly failed and an a red warning light came on stop my vehicle failed to stop and I collided into the vehicle in front of me causing injury to the other driver and myself. There was never a wad ailedhning light that the ABS system was failing.”

NHTSA complaint #10649567, filed 2014-10, 100,030 miles

“Question 1: The Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) unit, which is a high-pressure brake-by-wire hydraulic system. Component A7/3. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. Question 2: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of hydraulic brake pressure while in operation. This failure required extreme physical force on the pedal and significant increase in stopping distance. The vehicle is currently in my garage with chocked wheels until I figure out what's next. …”

NHTSA complaint #11713126, filed 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message Brakes Reached Historic Threshold was displayed, which indicated that the brake control unit had malfunctioned. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was spongy, causing the stopping distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with brake control unit failure. The contact was informed that the brake control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11754971, filed 2026-08, 62,800 miles

Related service bulletins

11038186Sep 22, 2026Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily…
11031725Aug 17, 2018The purpose of this letter is to advise you of additional benefits that Mercedes-Benz is providing to you regarding your vehicle ownership.
11031585Aug 17, 2018The warranty on the SBC Hydraulic Unit for MY 2003-2006 Model 211, MY 2006 Model 219, and Model Year 2003-2012 Model 230 was extended from the original 4 years/50,000 miles to 25…
10030929Jun 15, 2009Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the…
10028644Dec 19, 2008Mercedes: vehicle fails star diagnosis test; inspect brake system for air." models 230, 219, and 211. Model years 2003-2009.

Brakes: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2006	4	31%
2005	7	37%
2004	11	24%
2003	14	18%
1998	1	17%
1997	1	11%
1995	2	9%

Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Suspension
21 complaints Fuel system
9 complaints Electrical system
4 complaints Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints Wheels
3 complaints Other or unknown
2 complaints Vehicle speed control
2 complaints Air bags
1 complaints Electronic stability control
1 complaints Engine cooling
1 complaints Steering
1 complaints Body and structure
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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