2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 18%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55, 18% of the 11 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, 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.
“The battery control module (known as the BCM or BNS) failed, triggering a fire. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks. The fire consumed the module, insulation on wiring connected to and close to the module, part of the trunk lining material, and burned through a total of five hydraulic lines (retractable roof hydraulics). It appears that the trunk seal limited air to the point that the fire was self extinguished. This is the only thing that saved the attached garage and house. …”
NHTSA complaint #11557042, filed 2023-11Related service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11000705May 31, 2024Battery Control Module needs replacement due to electrical overstress. Incorrect charging procedures and battery maintenance. Remedy Proper care and maintenance of the electrical…
- 10166105Jul 10, 2014The electrical wiring harness is trapped between the height adjustment gearing and the cushion frame.
- 10205233Aug 5, 2013Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10033070Dec 16, 2009Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp is currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209…
- 10016687Mar 31, 2009Abc visit workshop displayed in instrument cluster and hydraulic fluid leakage. *tt updated 5/14/09. Models 215, 220 and 230. Model years unknown.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55
3 complaintsBrakes
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