2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 24%of 17 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, 24% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 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.
“My vehicle has a cam seal leak that leaked oil into the wiring harness and wiring harness and other components need to be replaced -- the bill is $10,800 --- this cam seal was a recall issue for the c class and from what I read seems to be the same or similar issue --- not an ordinary wear and tear issue - this is should be a recall issue and mercedes should fix -- the check engine light came in and they said engine would not have started and I would have been stranded -- it is currently being fixed at the dealer at my expense”
NHTSA complaint #11144468, filed 2018-10, 74,000 miles“I was driving on a country road when all of a sudden my car lost power all the warning lights camo on the dashboard. Smoke started billowing out from the back and front of the car. It turned off and I only coasted about a 100 feet. I could not safely pull off to the side of the road as the car had no power. Thankfully the road was not very busy and the tow truck collected the vehicle. Upon further inspection I saw a lot of oil on the road and the mechanics were able to confirm that the engine block was cracked and there were 2 large holes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11651239, filed 2025-03“Cam sensor seals failed which leaked oil into the wire harness, O2 sensors, and ECM. This happens to be a common problem with M278 engine. The repair was $10,217 to fix this issue. The car would not pass emissions without this repair. Could oil into the electrical system pose a fire hazzard?”
NHTSA complaint #11442087, filed 2021-11Related service bulletins
- 11008064Aug 9, 2024In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class…
- 11031736Sep 6, 2023In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA ("MBUSA") is extending…
- 11031590Sep 6, 2023This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on March 10, 2023, and contains clarification on reimbursement timeline and removal of damage codes related to intake valves/guide.
- 10160738Apr 11, 2019Update engine electronics (ME-SFI) control unit software
- 10059801Oct 26, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4 | 24% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
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