NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
21 reportsClear category filter56,000 miles · May 4, 2016
SuspensionVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH. THE ACTIVATE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO DROP LOWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH. THE ACTIVATE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO DROP LOWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
NHTSA ODI #10863116
90,000 miles · Nov 24, 2015
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, ANOTHER INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW AS THE PASSENGER'S SIDE RID…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, ANOTHER INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LOW AS THE PASSENGER'S SIDE RIDE HEIGHT WAS LOWERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10806450
50,700 miles · Nov 5, 2015
Suspension
RED ABC WARNING LIGHT ON. SUSPENSION SYSTEM IN FAILURE MODE REDUCING ROAD HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL BELOW MINIMUM SAFETY LEVELS. MB REPAIR COSTS EXCEED BLUE BOOK CAR VALUE EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE USE LESS THAN HALF LIFE. LIC. P.E #6274 NOTES MB DESIGN/ENGINEERING FAILURE--INTENTIONAL MAL-DESIGN SCHEME SET-UP TO DEFRAUD CONSUMER…
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RED ABC WARNING LIGHT ON. SUSPENSION SYSTEM IN FAILURE MODE REDUCING ROAD HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL BELOW MINIMUM SAFETY LEVELS. MB REPAIR COSTS EXCEED BLUE BOOK CAR VALUE EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE USE LESS THAN HALF LIFE. LIC. P.E #6274 NOTES MB DESIGN/ENGINEERING FAILURE--INTENTIONAL MAL-DESIGN SCHEME SET-UP TO DEFRAUD CONSUMERS OF BILLIONS $. SEVERE GRAFT/ OVER CHARGE IN PROCESS IN THAT AIRBUS AIRCRAFT AND NUCLEAR DESIGN /ENGINEERING BY MB FACILITATES PATHWAY TO APPROPRIATE SCALED DOWN COSTS FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES. MB ALSO NEEDS TO RESPOND THIS MB CAR OWNER SO THAT ELEVATED DISCONTENT IS A NON OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA ODI #10788597
38,000 miles · Jun 9, 2015
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS LEANING LOWER ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 8/27/15*CN UPDATED 10/19/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10724373
76,000 miles · Jan 3, 2015
Power TrainSuspension
THE ABC VEHICLE HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED THE CAR TO DROP VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE, HOWEVER AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWING THE CAR TO SIT, THEN RE STARTING THE CAR WENT UP TO ITS NORMAL HEIGHT, WHAT IF I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10669798
795,908 miles · Aug 22, 2014
SteeringSuspensionWheels
DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND HIT BUMP ON FREEWAY THE ABC LIGHTS COME ON VECHICLE HARD TO COTROL HERE RUBBING , VEHICLE TO LOW FLASHES WENT STRAIGHT TO DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10627421
21,800 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Suspension
THE LEFT SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE) OF MY VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WILL LOWER ITSELF. THE WILL OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A PROLONG PERIOD OF TIME AND ON ANY TYPE OF SURFACE OR GRADE. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE HAS ZERO DEFECTS. TO RAISE THE SUSPENSION, I AM REQUIRE TO PRESS THE ABC SUSPENSION BUTTON AND THE SUSPENSION …
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THE LEFT SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE) OF MY VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WILL LOWER ITSELF. THE WILL OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR A PROLONG PERIOD OF TIME AND ON ANY TYPE OF SURFACE OR GRADE. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE HAS ZERO DEFECTS. TO RAISE THE SUSPENSION, I AM REQUIRE TO PRESS THE ABC SUSPENSION BUTTON AND THE SUSPENSION RAISED TO THE PROPER HEIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10608025
35,000 miles · Jun 27, 2012
Suspension
PARKED THE CAR . WHEN TRIED TO BACKUP THE CAR FROM PARKED SPACE, THE FRONT OF THE CAR GOT STUCK OVER THE CONCRETE BARRIERS AND BROKE THE FRONT. UPON INSPECTION I REALIZED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR IS DROPPED ABOUT 3 INCHES. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND AFTER 2-3 MONTHS TESTING AND FLUSHING , THEY TOLD ME THEY NEED TO REP…
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PARKED THE CAR . WHEN TRIED TO BACKUP THE CAR FROM PARKED SPACE, THE FRONT OF THE CAR GOT STUCK OVER THE CONCRETE BARRIERS AND BROKE THE FRONT. UPON INSPECTION I REALIZED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR IS DROPPED ABOUT 3 INCHES. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND AFTER 2-3 MONTHS TESTING AND FLUSHING , THEY TOLD ME THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE VALVE AT A COST OF $3500.00. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE HOLE DRIVER SIDE IS DROPPING BOTH FRONT AND BACK. THEY TELL ME ANOTHER VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CHECK DIFFERENT SITE ON INTERNET AND REALIZE THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN TO DEALERS AND THERE A GREAT DEAL OF DOCUMENTATION ON-LINE. I APPRECIATE IF YOUR OFFICE COULD INVESTIGATE AND GET BACK TO ME. THANKS *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463257
56,000 miles · Feb 26, 2011
Suspension
MY 2004 MERCEDES SL 500 SUSPENSION COMPLETELY DROPPED TO THE TIRES "WITHOUT WARNING" WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 95 DURING RUSH HOUR IN MIAMI, FLORIDA WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT RESPOND OR HANDLE PROPERLY AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND FLOATED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. IT WAS VERY SCARY! FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE…
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MY 2004 MERCEDES SL 500 SUSPENSION COMPLETELY DROPPED TO THE TIRES "WITHOUT WARNING" WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 95 DURING RUSH HOUR IN MIAMI, FLORIDA WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT RESPOND OR HANDLE PROPERLY AS THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND FLOATED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. IT WAS VERY SCARY! FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION OFF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY! AS A LICENSED ATTORNEY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ISSUE BE "FULLY INVESTIGATED" BY THE NHTSA. THIS IS A VERY HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS ROADSTER THAT PEOPLE EXPECT TO BE SAFE WHILE DRIVING! SOME ALSO DRIVE THESE VEHICLE AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED (NOT LEGALLY) BUT YOU KNOW THAT THE SL 500 WAS THE MOST FREQUENTED VEHICLE FOR SPEEDING THIS PAST YEAR IN THE NATION AND NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL ONES VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED IS FRIGHTENING AND HAZARDOUS TO BOTH THOSE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, PASSENGERS AS WELL AS THE OTHER COMMUTERS ON OUR ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. BEFORE WE HAVE ANOTHER TOYOTA DISASTER I HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS MATTER BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. LET US NOT HAVE PREVENTABLE DEADLY ACCIDENTS BEFORE WE MAKE A CHANGE AND RECALL THIS CAR!!! THE WHOLE CAR NOW MOVES UP AND DOWN AT RANDOM AND THAT MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. PERFORMING A SIMPLE "GOOGLE SEARCH" REVEALS THAT MERCEDES BENZ ALREADY "KNOWS" AND HAS "NOTICE" OF THE PROBLEM FROM MANY MB CONSUMERS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A CAR NO MATTER WHAT AGE SHOULD HAVE A SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT CAN LITERALLY GO OUT AND LEAVE THE PASSENGERS AND DRIVER SUBJECT TO DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER ASAP! SINCERELY, VERY CONCERNED/WORRIED CONSUMER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384594
36,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Suspension
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL FAILURE ON MERCEDES BENZ SL (MODEL R230) CAUSES THE CAR TO LOWER ALL OF A SUDDEN, LOSS OF CONTROL AND STEERING LOCKING. CAR'S ABC SUSPENSION IS PRESSURIZED, AND IT HAS A HISTORY OF FAILURES. DOCUMENTED ON NHTSA SITE. THE ABC HOSE HAS A RECALL ALREADY, BUT THE ABC PUMP ITSELF CAN GO BAD ANYTIME WITHOUT WARNIN…
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ACTIVE BODY CONTROL FAILURE ON MERCEDES BENZ SL (MODEL R230) CAUSES THE CAR TO LOWER ALL OF A SUDDEN, LOSS OF CONTROL AND STEERING LOCKING. CAR'S ABC SUSPENSION IS PRESSURIZED, AND IT HAS A HISTORY OF FAILURES. DOCUMENTED ON NHTSA SITE. THE ABC HOSE HAS A RECALL ALREADY, BUT THE ABC PUMP ITSELF CAN GO BAD ANYTIME WITHOUT WARNING. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES, WHICH I HAVE FROM OTHER MERCEDES OWNERS. MINE OCCURRED TRAVELING 35 MPH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA IN A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD, AND LUCKILY I PULLED OVER BUT NOTICED MY CAR'S REAR WAS DROPPED 4 INCHES NEARLY TOUCHING THE GROUND. SOME SL OWNERS HAVE BEEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS AND SUDDENLY ABC MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY RESULTS IF IMMEDIATE PRECAUTION IS NOT TAKEN. MERCEDES BENZ USA AND IT'S DEALERS ARE WELL AWARE OF ABC ISSUES EFFECTING THEIR LINE OF MODELS INCLUDING: SL, S CLASS, AND CL CLASS. NO RECALLS ON THE ABC PUMP HAS BEEN ISSUED, BUT THE DEALERS POLITELY TELL OWNERS IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT WILL COSTS $5000.00 TO FIX. THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. I BEG THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE AND IF NEED BE, I CAN GATHER MORE DATA AND FACTS FROM OWNERS AND TESTIMONIALS FOR DEALER SERVICE ADVISORS WHO KNOW OF THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315322
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