NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
21 reportsClear category filter92,000 miles · Jun 29, 2020
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY AND IN PARK, EITHER THE RIGHT SIDE OR THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RAISE UP THEN DESCEND TO GROUND OVER A THIRTY SECOND PERIOD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY AND IN PARK, EITHER THE RIGHT SIDE OR THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RAISE UP THEN DESCEND TO GROUND OVER A THIRTY SECOND PERIOD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HIS FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :08V405000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #11331597
60,000 miles · May 18, 2019
Service BrakesSuspensionUnknown Or Other
THE VEHICLE HAS A BRACKET ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK THAT COMES DISENGADED AND CAUSES THIS DISTINCTIVE NOISE WHICH SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING SWINGING AND TAPPING AGAINST THE GAS TANK AND I HAS TO HAPPEN A LOT DUE TO EVERY SERVICE I HAVE BEEN ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IT ALSO HAS TO BE SOMETHING WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES DUE TO ONLINE MERCE…
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THE VEHICLE HAS A BRACKET ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK THAT COMES DISENGADED AND CAUSES THIS DISTINCTIVE NOISE WHICH SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING SWINGING AND TAPPING AGAINST THE GAS TANK AND I HAS TO HAPPEN A LOT DUE TO EVERY SERVICE I HAVE BEEN ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IT ALSO HAS TO BE SOMETHING WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES DUE TO ONLINE MERCEDES OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SOUND IS REALLY DISTURBING AND I WOULD LIKE AN ANSWER AS TO WHAT TO DO. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
NHTSA ODI #11208386
61,000 miles · Feb 1, 2019
Electrical SystemService BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic
I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION…
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I SUBMITTED VIA FAX EARLIER THIS WEEK A FORMAL LETTER TO MR. EXLER THE PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBUSA AND, CC'D MR. KING OF THE NHTSA THAT INCLUDED INFORMATION ABOUT KNOWN CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUED THESE VEHICLES HAD PRIOR TO MBUSA IMPORTING THEM TO THE UNITED STATES. MBUSA FAILED TO DISCLOSE THESE KNOWN ISSUES AND, CHOSE TO IMPORTATION THESE VEHICLES VIOLATING VEHICLE IMPORTATION RULES. YESTERDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE OF MBUSA STATING HE WAS CALLING ON BEHALF OF MR. EXLERS OFFICE CONCERNING MY LETTER. I WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY MBUSA WHILE SEEKING THE TRUTH ON WHY MBUSA ALLOWED THESE VEHICLES TO ENTER THE USA KNOWING THESE CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUES EXISTED WHILE MISLEADING CONSUMERS AND, THE NHTSA. ON JANUARY 21, 2019 MY VEHICLE HAD WHAT IS DESCRIBED BY MBUSA AS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHEN THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE KILLED ME - AND, OTHER MOTORIST. MBUSA HAS REPLACED THE SBC UNIT AT LEAST 6 TIMES AND, STILL THE ISSUE AND, OTHER PERSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON AVERAGE 4,000 MILES ANNUALLY. HOW MANY FAILURES MUST HAPPEN BEFORE MBUSA IS FULLY INVESTIGATED? THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ME ANY INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLES EXCEPT THE 4 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. ONCE I COMPLETE MY RESEARCH ON THESE VEHICLES I WILL SUBMIT MY FINDINGS TO THE NHTSA & MS. KING
NHTSA ODI #11173505
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSuspension
DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION OR FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY DEFAULT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE. IN THE BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL B…
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DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION OR FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY DEFAULT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE. IN THE BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDITIONALLY, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SSC PUMP UNIT IN CERTAIN SL MODELS. THE MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NUMBERS ARE 2005070007 AND 2005110001. RESEARCH SHOWS ONLY 59% OF THE 100% REQUIRED RECALL WAS DONE PROPERLY BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THIS ISSUE WAS NOT DISCLOSED WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR AND, THE REQUIRED WORK WAS NOT DONE AND, MERCEDES SAID THE 60 DAYS FROM RECALL HAD PASSED - YET THE REPORTS SENT TO NHTSA BY MERCEDES BENZ APPEARS TO BE FALSE DATA - THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
NHTSA ODI #11142891
81,000 miles · Jun 13, 2017
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND CAUSED THE WHEELS TO DROP AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE FENDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE UNLESS LIFTED UP WITH SOME SORT OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT. THE CONTACT INFORMED MERCEDES-BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DES…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND CAUSED THE WHEELS TO DROP AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE FENDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE UNLESS LIFTED UP WITH SOME SORT OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT. THE CONTACT INFORMED MERCEDES-BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DESIGN ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #10994966
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2017
Suspension
"TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL DUE TO THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY …
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"TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL DUE TO THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM/ AIR BAGS) THE INTERNET REVILES A MULTITUDE OF OWNERS OF THIS CLASS AND YEAR MERCEDES BENZ HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO A RUPTURED HYDRAULIC LINE
NHTSA ODI #10984560
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemSuspension
"TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE…
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"TAKATA RECALL" 1. THE TOTAL BODY OF MY 2004 SL MERCEDES BENZ SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING TO WITHIN 3 INCHES FROM HI-WAY WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR CAUSING THE WHEELS TO DRAG AGAINST THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER PREVENTING ME ME TO STEER FREELY WHILE FLUID FROM THE RUPTURED ABC VALVE LINE APPARENT SPRAYED ON TO THE ENGINE. THE RED ABC LIGHT CAME ON SAYING STOP TO LOW TO DRIVE FOLLOWED BY RED SRS LIGHT (SAFETY RESTAINT SYATEM/ AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI #10971540
107,000 miles · Feb 4, 2017
Power TrainSuspensionVehicle Speed Control
I LIVE IN TEXAS AND MY MERCEDES WENT INTO LIMP MODE AT A RED LIGHT. I CAN NOT GET MY TRANSMISSION REPAIRED ANYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE THEY HAVE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY OTHER SHOPS TO BE ABLE TO SERVICE THIS SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION. THEY TELL ME AND I QUOTE "WE ARE UNABLE TO WORK ON THIS TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOL…
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I LIVE IN TEXAS AND MY MERCEDES WENT INTO LIMP MODE AT A RED LIGHT. I CAN NOT GET MY TRANSMISSION REPAIRED ANYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE THEY HAVE MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY OTHER SHOPS TO BE ABLE TO SERVICE THIS SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION. THEY TELL ME AND I QUOTE "WE ARE UNABLE TO WORK ON THIS TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS WHICH ONLY MERCEDES DEALERSHIP CARRY SO YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THEM, SORRY" PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE RECALL THIS TRANSMISSION!!! ANOTHER TIME I WAS DIVING DOWN THE HWY DOING 70MPH WHEN THE ABC TOO LOW DASH LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS MY CAR DROPPING 2 INCHED TO THE GROUND AS I WAS DRIVE 70MPH PLUS I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING. AND ONCE AGAIN NO ONE COULD WORK ON IT BECAUSE IT REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS. AND THE ONE PLACE THAT COULD SAID THEY WERE MERCEDES BENZ CERTIFIED. AFTER HAVING MY CAR 3 DAYS AND PAYING $125 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO BE $5000+ TO FIX. LONG STORY SHORT I PAYED THE CAR LOT WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM $3587.00 TO FIX IT .
NHTSA ODI #10949561
90,000 miles · Jan 6, 2017
Suspension
I HAVE HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION. THE ABC LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE. THE CAR DROPPED ON THE FREEWAY. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND FIXED PROPERLY. I'VE ONLY DRIVEN 400 MILES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS TOTAL BECAUSE I'M AFRAID SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10940048
18,633 miles · Oct 10, 2016
Suspension
THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION ERRATICALLY LOWERS AND RISES WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY AT ALL SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALER 4 TIMES. THE DEALER HAS FLUSHED THE HYDRAULIC FLUID ONCE, REPLACED ONE STRUT TWICE, AND 3 SUSPENSION ACCELERATIO…
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THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION ERRATICALLY LOWERS AND RISES WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY AT ALL SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALER 4 TIMES. THE DEALER HAS FLUSHED THE HYDRAULIC FLUID ONCE, REPLACED ONE STRUT TWICE, AND 3 SUSPENSION ACCELERATION SENSORS AND 1 SEND UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES AND CONDITION CONTINUED AND WAS RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY THE DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE AND IS NOT SURE HOW TO REPAIR IT. THE VEHICLE COMPUTER DOES NOT INDICATE CODES, BUT DEALER HAS DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AND WITNESS THIS UNSAFE CONDITION. A FORMAL COMPLIANT BEEN FILED WITH MERCEDES USA. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BASED ON CURRENT CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI #10915093
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