CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (2 reports).
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 recalls
No safety recalls on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55.
Most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 problems
Problem areas named in the 11 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
What owners report
The battery control module (known as the BCM or BNS) failed, triggering a fire. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks. The fire consumed the module, insulation on wiring connected to and close to the module, part of the trunk lining material, and burned through a total of five hydraulic lines (retractable roof hydraulics). It appears that the trunk seal limited air to the point that the fire was self extinguished. This is the only thing that saved the attached garage and house. The vehicle valued at $30,000 was determined to be a total loss due to the extensive repairs required to restore it to an operating condition.
It appears the BCM (Battery Control Module) caught fire and burned a significant portion of the trunk and associated wiring.
My car (the SL55 and all SL models) has a "Battery Control Module" (BCM) also referred to as the "Battery Stabilization Control Load Module" which shows signs of imminent failure which will lead to a meltdown or fire. I inspected the module after finding that this was a common problem with these cars online. This model of car has been documented to completely catch on fire, even when parked after driving. I have pictures of the burnt board inside my BCM. I am very concerned as it could literally burn my house down. The typical warning for this issue is a red colored warning on the dash LCD display, however I didn't have that warning as my unit is apparently still functioning even though it's
PLASTIC PIECE ON GEARSHIFT ASSEMBLY BROKE NOT ALLOWING CAR TO BE PLACED IN GEAR. IS APPARENTLY A PROBLEM WITH 1000'S OF THESE CARS BASED ON INTERNET SEARCH. CONTACTED MERCEDES AND THEY SAID NOT THEIR PROBLEM. THEY CHARGE $1300.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED TO SAVE MONEY ON THIS PART BEING REPLACED TO TAKE A MALLET AND FINISH BREAKING PIECE THEREBY RENDERING CHILD SAFETY FEATURE USELESS. APPARENTLY LOOKING AT THE INTERNET THIS IS WHAT 1000'S OF PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY DONE. HOW MERCEDES THINKS THIS IS A NOT A SAFETY CONCERN IS BEYOND ME. IT IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ALL CHILDREN AS THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PUT CAR INTO GEAR WITH NO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. I CAN SEE MANY CHILDR
INTERNAL GAS TANK BAFFLE HAS COME LOOSE INSIDE THE GAS TANK. THIS CAUSES A CONSISTENT AND VERY ANNOYING RATTLING SOUND. *TR
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 questions
Does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 at this time.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2), Fuel System, Gasoline (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.