Model year record

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550

3 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 21 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V787000

Communication

Component
Communication
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Vehicles affected
24,226
Reported to NHTSA
2019-11-01
Owners notified
2019-12-23

Defect description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Safety risk

An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V899000

Steering: electric power assist system

Component
Steering: electric power assist system
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Vehicles affected
70
Reported to NHTSA
2016-12-14
Owners notified
2017-10-13

Defect description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.

Safety risk

If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

Manufacturer remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V542000

Air bags: side/window

Component
Air bags: side/window
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Vehicles affected
130
Reported to NHTSA
2013-11-01
Owners notified
2013-12-20

Defect description

Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2013 SL63, SL550, and SL65 vehicles manufactured January 16, 2013, through April 30, 2013. The affected vehicles are equipped with an occupant classification system (OCS) that may not detect a very light person sitting in the front passenger seat.

Safety risk

If the OCS does not detect a very light person sitting in the seat, the passenger side air bag would be turned off. In the event of a crash necessitating side air bag deployment, the passenger would be at an increased risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine574,000 mi
Steering531,000 mi
Power train41,200 mi
Wheels331,000 mi
Vehicle speed control21,200 mi
Service brakes136,800 mi
Suspension1

The 2014 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA21002Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.