2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500: 0 recalls, 80 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (34): the most common themes are steering problems (3).
- Fuel system (11): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), fire / smoke (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6).
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 has 80 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 15 SL500 model years for complaints (5.3× the average SL500 year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 62,859 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (45 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 problems?
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (34), fuel system (11), electrical (10).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.