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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10166997Feb 21, 2014The noise comes from the front axle. Vehicles without code B07 (AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system)
- 10028626Feb 22, 2008Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration…
- 10021522Feb 5, 2007Knocking noise from the front axle area.
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
4 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