2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 8%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500, 8% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,200 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.
“722.9 7-speed transmission has known defect causing vehicle to lock up in gear when driving. Locks into 3rd gear, can happen when you go to pass causing the vehicle to have no power when you try to kick into passing gear. On many occasions I've almost been hit because transmission fails to shift into passing gear. Also will happen when coming up to a red light then, light changes to green and you press accelerator to go but car will hardly go. I was bumped in the rear bumper once, luckily not causing any damage to vehicle.I've also been in many close call accidents when its happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #11010119, filed 2017-07, 76,200 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.
- 10030904Dec 1, 2008Mercedes benz: models 203, 209, 211, 219,230, and 463; model years 2005-2007. Replace pilot bushing at electrohydraulic unit. Daimler ag has determined that on affected vehicles…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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