2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 24%of 17 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, 24% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,600 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.
“Traveling on I-5 in stop and go traffic 0- 60 MPH when transmission started shifting roughly. It then shifted to neutral and would not respond to shifter inputs. I was in the second lane from the right doing 10 or 15 MPH. I was able to force my way into the right lane and off to the shoulder. I put the transmission in sport and paddle shifter mode with no response from the shift selector. Thinking this is a computer problem I rebooted by shutting car off and restarting. All functions returned to normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11021314, filed 2017-09, 28,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 mercedes benz SL550. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the paddle shifters were operated and the connector plate failed without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to accelerate. On another occasion the contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle lurched forward without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558190, filed 2014-01, 1,200 miles“Started the vehicle and used the gear selector to shift to Drive. Car did not go into gear. Towed to dealer. Dealer found faulty “ism module.” Apparently a very common issue with these cars. So common that the part is in an “indefinite back order.” The replacement part is also revised because Mercedes knows there was a manufacturer defect with the existing part. I am being charged more than $1600 on a part that the manufacturer has already acknowledged was faulty and created a replacement for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11582692, filed 2024-04Related 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…
- 11023193Sep 17, 2025Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 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…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- 10167510Feb 28, 2014The vehicle cannot be started The vehicle may start by itself shortly after the startup attempt with a delay, as the relay can be late closing. and/or The gear selection is…
- 10053618Aug 9, 2013Xentry (mercedes): vehicle cannot be shifted out of or into p, under certain conditions, due to p button fitted with two redundant contacts. Models 231, 463. No model years.
- 10167546Jul 30, 2013FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4 | 24% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
5 complaintsEngine
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 Nov 1, 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