2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 18%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55, 18% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I was having some trouble with the brakes, I brought the car back into the shop 3 times to let them know that the brakes were failing - once I almost ran a pedestrian over as I tried to stop and the vehicle brakes appeared to not work at all - the hydraulic system they say does nothing. Another time pulling into a parking space no brakes again and if it weren't for the concrete block I would have run into the store front. The last time was at my home - pulling into the driveway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227665, filed 2008-05, 22,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz SL55. When the vehicle was turned on noise was near the brake system and there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic stated that the sbc hydraulic system was inoperable and there was no communication with the pump motor. Nhtsa recall 04v296000, service brakes, hydraulic was related to the failure; however, the mechanic advised him to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing at his expense for $150. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 45,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10343932, filed 2010-07, 45,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily…
- 10030929Jun 15, 2009Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the…
- 10028644Dec 19, 2008Mercedes: vehicle fails star diagnosis test; inspect brake system for air." models 230, 219, and 211. Model years 2003-2009.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55
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