Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2009 Mercedes Benz SL550
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
630.0%
Median failure at 13,892 miles
Tires
525.0%
Median failure at 7,500 miles
Wheels
420.0%
Median failure at 7,500 miles
Electrical System
315.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 60,000 mi
Body & Structure
210.0%
Median failure at 52,946 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
969.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
17.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2010peak 6Nov 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003–2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: • There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the BCM [Battery Control Module] is prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. • The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE – potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL owner's experience. • MBUSA, its dealers, many SL owners, independent service centers and salvage yards are aware of this problem: multiple reports detailing it can easily be found on the Internet. Possible modifications to alleviate the danger have been affected by some SL owners, one picture of which has been uploaded here. • Mercedes-Benz is surely aware of the issue but has not recalled nor issued TSBs associated with this serious problem, nor has MBUSA acknowledged that vehicles modifications to alleviate the risk of failure and subsequent fires have been developed by owners and mechanics. • No symptoms are known to appear prior to melt-down, other than odors and/or smoke emanating from the SL's trunk. By then, it is TOO LATE. I respectfully request NHTSA open an investigation into this issue and require Mercedes-Benz address it by affecting modification or replacements of the faulty BCM system components in R230 vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11701077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003–2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: • There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the BCM [Battery Control Module] is prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. • The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE – potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL owner's experience. • MBUSA, its dealers, many SL owners, independent service centers and salvage yards are aware of this problem: multiple reports detailing it can easily be found on the Internet. Possible modifications to alleviate the danger have been affected by some SL owners, one picture of which has been uploaded here. • Mercedes-Benz is surely aware of the issue but has not recalled nor issued TSBs associated with this serious problem, nor has MBUSA acknowledged that vehicles modifications to alleviate the risk of failure and subsequent fires have been developed by owners and mechanics. • No symptoms are known to appear prior to melt-down, other than odors and/or smoke emanating from the SL's trunk. By then, it is TOO LATE. I respectfully request NHTSA open an investigation into this issue and require Mercedes-Benz address it by affecting modification or replacements of the faulty BCM system components in R230 vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11701077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winterville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
Complete brake failure while driving. No one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. Now the ABS and SRS lights on. Brake pedal to the floor. I completely have new brakes speed sensors fluid exchanges and more. The current recall doesn’t seem to cover my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and they said there are no open recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11642407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This particular model 2009 Mercedes SL 550 hardtop convertible 5.5 liter motor has two batteries and accessory battery that battery that’s located in the trunk in the main starting battery that’s on the firewall. These batteries are both new in OEM recommended. If the car sits for 24 hours, it will not start. The electrical system is completely drained. There are many forms describing the same issue but yet the SL model is not included in a civil lawsuit. Mercedes-Benz definitely knows they have an issue in somehow it needs to be rectified.
NHTSA complaint #11495761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Reading, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] VIN # [XXX] SL550 2009 Since I bought this car 3 years ago the first day I am using it I got the problem say Reduced Braking Power, Depress Brake Pedal fully. I thought only when the weather is cold but now after 15 minutes minutes I am running on the road losing brake it is scary not only one time its always every 30 minutes now . I am stop using for a while . I try to bring in dealer for diagnose last 2 years ago they cant find the problem even my person mechanic. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11468670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Reading, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
I bought the almost 3 years now since I bought it I seen and message on the dash board Reduced Braking Power Depress Brake Pedal fully . I search on the website most the Mercedez Benz has same problem but when check my Vin number I saw no issue on my SL550 2009. I almost depress on my car ill spend a lot of money and its dangerous to used it I went to a dealer 2 years ago for but on their diagnose they don saw anything about this issue. Before its happen only when the weather is cold and car cold too but now while you on the road keep losing brake
NHTSA complaint #11464873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vacaville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake handle popped off for parking brake
NHTSA complaint #11455468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapin, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
Catastrophic brake failure. No brakes at all.
NHTSA complaint #11455546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesAtlanta, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY CAR WAS PARKED AND I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AS I WAS SEATED IN DRIVER'S SEAT AND I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM HAS FAILED SUCH THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR WHICH PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. DESPITE BEING COVERED BY AN EXTENDED A MERCEDES CPO WARRANTY MERCEDES REFUSES TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS MANY MERCEDES MODELS INCLUDING THE R230 SL550. PART OF THE DOOR HANDLE ACTUATION MECHANISM IS MADE OF FRAGILE PLASTIC AND, OR NYLON THAT WEARS PREMATURELY.
NHTSA complaint #10945750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMilford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. WHILE TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND ALL OF THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER'S THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED ONCE THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10700587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,892 milesStockton, CA
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BETWEEN 12/27/11 AND 12/28/11. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,892 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 15,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ UPDATED 04/09/12 THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT GRILL, BUMPER AND RETRACTABLE ROOF WERE REPLACED. UPDATED EVOQ 04/10/12 UPDATED EVOQ 05/08/12
NHTSA complaint #10450455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,892 milesStockton, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BETWEEN 12/27/11 AND 12/28/11. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,892 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 15,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ UPDATED 04/09/12 THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT GRILL, BUMPER AND RETRACTABLE ROOF WERE REPLACED. UPDATED EVOQ 04/10/12 UPDATED EVOQ 05/08/12
NHTSA complaint #10450455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesHamden, CT
WHEELS
TIRE FAILURE--BULGING/RIM DAMAGE ;REPLACING THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 8500 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10390177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesHamden, CT
WHEELS
PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10390176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesHamden, CT
TIRES
TIRE FAILURE--BULGING/RIM DAMAGE ;REPLACING THIRD SET OF TIRES AT 8500 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10390177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesHamden, CT
TIRES
PREPARING TO PUT A THIRD SET OF TIRES ON MY MERCEDES BENZ SL550 @8500 MILES. ALREADY REPAIRED 2 RIMS.?! NO WARRANTY. 3 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES ON THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10390176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,595 milesHamden, CT
WHEELS
AT 2595 MILES,I NEEDED TO REPLACE 3 TIRES AND REPAIR 2 RIMS ON MY 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550;AT 7400 MILES,ANOTHER TIRE WITH A BULGE;AT 8000 MILES,3 MORE TIRES WITH BUBBLES...AWAITING MY SERVICE APPOINTMENT;AFAID TO DRIVE AND APPREHENSIVE TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FEAR OF LOSING COVERAGE.THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT-NO TIRE WARRANTY AND THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME IT IS ME! MY CAR IS JUST TWO YEARS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 8500 MILES ON IT.I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS MAKE/MODEL FOR 23 YEARS WITH NO PRIOR INCIDENT. THIS CAR WILL HAVE ITS THIRD SET OF TIRES AND MULTIPLE RIM REPAIRS AT 8500 MILES OR SO!
NHTSA complaint #10389952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,595 milesHamden, CT
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
AT 2595 MILES,I NEEDED TO REPLACE 3 TIRES AND REPAIR 2 RIMS ON MY 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550;AT 7400 MILES,ANOTHER TIRE WITH A BULGE;AT 8000 MILES,3 MORE TIRES WITH BUBBLES...AWAITING MY SERVICE APPOINTMENT;AFAID TO DRIVE AND APPREHENSIVE TO CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FEAR OF LOSING COVERAGE.THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT-NO TIRE WARRANTY AND THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME IT IS ME! MY CAR IS JUST TWO YEARS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 8500 MILES ON IT.I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS MAKE/MODEL FOR 23 YEARS WITH NO PRIOR INCIDENT. THIS CAR WILL HAVE ITS THIRD SET OF TIRES AND MULTIPLE RIM REPAIRS AT 8500 MILES OR SO!
NHTSA complaint #10389952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,660 milesRandolph, NJ
WHEELS
UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10358122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,660 milesRandolph, NJ
TIRES
UNKNOWN CAUSE, CRACKED AND BENT WHEEL RIMS, REPLACED WITH NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10358122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesEnglewood Cliffs, NJ
TIRES
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE MARCH 2009 AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 11 TIRES AND 2 WHEELS AND HAVE HAD 3 WHEELS REPAIRED. THIS IS DUE TO LOW PROFILE TIRES WHICH DEVELOP BULGES.
NHTSA complaint #10319393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.