2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 9% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 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.
“Nov 14 early morning a fire started in the truck of my car. Completely destroyed the car. Was parked in my garage. Truck was empty. Had just used car morning of nov 13 and all was fine. *****please see images img_1733, img_1734 and img_1738 thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11151644, filed 2018-11“Takata recall 1. The total body of my 2004 sl mercedes benz suddenly collapsed without warning to within 3 inches from hi-way while traveling approximately 50 miles an hour causing the wheels to drag against the undercarriage and damage to front bumper preventing me me to steer freely while fluid from the ruptured abc valve line apparent sprayed on to the engine. The red abc light came on saying stop to low to drive followed by red srs light (safety restaint syatem/ air bags)”
NHTSA complaint #10971540, filed 2017-04“The 2003-2006 R230 series seem to have a problem with the BCM (Battery Control Module) as start an electrical fire in the trunk. Very common issue and a safety hazard - this is what happened with my car. Vehicle has dual battery, starter in front, convenience battery in trunk and fuses that operate at 130 Amps - the BCM capacitors and circuit board age and at some point can no longer handle the high current and catch fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11518528, filed 2023-04Related service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11000705May 31, 2024Battery Control Module needs replacement due to electrical overstress. Incorrect charging procedures and battery maintenance. Remedy Proper care and maintenance of the electrical…
- 10166105Jul 10, 2014The electrical wiring harness is trapped between the height adjustment gearing and the cushion frame.
- 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500
21 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody 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