Summary
The Mercedes-Benz SL Class has 10 recalls spanning 1990 through 2022, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2022 models where incorrectly routed starter wiring can be damaged by the driveshaft, potentially causing a fire or a sudden loss of drive power.
Three other severity-5 recalls round out the modern and recent era. On 2019 models, a faulty rear axle carrier mount can detach, and if driving continues, the remaining bolts can fail progressively until the entire rear axle carrier separates from the vehicle, making the car difficult or impossible to control. The 2013 model year has an electric power steering control unit with poorly soldered contacts that can short circuit and start a fire. Also on 2013 models, the passenger seat occupant classification sensor can malfunction and disable the front passenger airbag while someone is seated there, leaving that occupant without airbag protection in a crash. The 2014 model year has a front passenger airbag diffuser that may not have been properly attached to its frame, which can cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash. The 2018 model year has a front passenger airbag that may not meet specifications, preventing it from inflating properly when needed.
Going back further, both recalls on 2003 models involve the Sensotronic Brake Control system, an electronically managed brake setup that can revert to a basic hydraulic mode due to either pressure monitoring irregularities or a worn pump piston and loose electrical connector. The 1997 SL320, SL500, and SL600 have a driver's airbag gas generator module whose ignition filament can corrode in high-humidity environments and trigger an unintended airbag deployment. The earliest recall, on 1990 models, involves a headlamp wiper arm that can jam below the headlamp and cause the washer pump to run continuously until it empties the fluid reservoir.
