2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 7% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 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.
“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“The abc vehicle height control system caused the car to drop very close to the ground making the car undriveable, however after pulling to the side of the road and allowing the car to sit, then re starting the car went up to its normal height, what if I was in the expressway?”
NHTSA complaint #10669798, filed 2015-01, 76,000 miles“The automatic transmission failed to upshift beyond third gear while driving down highway. Could only go 30mph as revs high. Had to take vehicle to dealer to repair transmission. Only 39,000 miles on car. Not abused.”
NHTSA complaint #10232158, filed 2008-06, 39,000 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500
21 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
4 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