2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 9%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,416miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55, 9% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,416 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.
“Plastic piece on gearshift assembly broke not allowing car to be placed in gear. Is apparently a problem with 1000's of these cars based on internet search. Contacted mercedes and they said not their problem. They charge $1300.00 to fix the problem. They stated to save money on this part being replaced to take a mallet and finish breaking piece thereby rendering child safety feature useless. Apparently looking at the internet this is what 1000's of people have already done. How mercedes thinks this is a not a safety concern is beyond me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10759416, filed 2015-08, 33,416 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
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
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