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SuspensionPart report

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Suspension Problems

Complaints
21about this part
Share
47%of 45 total for the year
Median mileage
56,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 47% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had major problems with the suspension. The abc light came on before. The car dropped on the freeway. I almost lost control. It is a major problem that should have been recalled and fixed properly. I've only driven 400 miles in the last few years total because I'm afraid something bad will happen again.”

NHTSA complaint #10940048, filed 2017-01, 90,000 miles

“The left side (driver's side) of my vehicle suspension system will lower itself. The will occur when the vehicle is parked for a prolong period of time and on any type of surface or grade. I was informed that my vehicle has zero defects. To raise the suspension, I am require to press the abc suspension button and the suspension raised to the proper height.”

NHTSA complaint #10608025, filed 2014-07, 21,800 miles

“I live in texas and my mercedes went into limp mode at a red light. I can not get my transmission repaired anywhere else because they have made it impossible for any other shops to be able to service this specific transmission. They tell me and I quote we are unable to work on this transmission because it requires special tools which only mercedes dealership carry so you will have to take it to them, sorry please, please, please recall this transmission!!! …”

NHTSA complaint #10949561, filed 2017-02, 107,000 miles

“Parked the car . When tried to backup the car from parked space, the front of the car got stuck over the concrete barriers and broke the front. Upon inspection I realized that the front driver side of the car is dropped about 3 inches. I took it to dealer and after 2-3 months testing and flushing , they told me they need to replace the valve at a cost of $3500.00. A few weeks later, the hole driver side is dropping both front and back. They tell me another valve needs to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10463257, filed 2012-06, 35,000 miles

“My 2004 mercedes sl 500 suspension completely dropped to the tires without warning while I was driving down interstate 95 during rush hour in miami, florida which caused the vehicle to not respond or handle properly as the vehicle rolled and floated in different directions. It was very scary! Fortunately I was able to get the car to a safe location off the interstate highway! As a licensed attorney I highly recommend this issue be fully investigated by the NHTSA. This is a very high performance sports roadster that people expect to be safe while driving! …”

NHTSA complaint #10384594, filed 2011-02, 56,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2006431%
2005211%
20042147%
20033443%

Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Brakes
11 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