Mercedes Benz Sl55 2003

Model Sl55 made in 2003 by Mercedes Benz got 8 consumer complains there are 8 investigations as well as 22 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to engine and engine cooling, fuel/propulsion system and fuel system, gasoline. Technical service bulletines regarding air bags, electrical system and exterior lighting. The car had one investigation (suspension).

Model 2003

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL
PB-91-60-18903/31/200910029945Mercedes: there is a srs warning in the instrument cluster; this may be due to the wss control unit connection being loose or unplugged. no model years listed. *pe07/20/2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
32502903/31/2009PB-32-50-29A10016687Abc visit workshop displayed in instrument cluster and hydraulic fluid leakage. *tt updated 5/14/09. models 215, 220 and 230. model years unknown. *pe09/27/2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
PB-82-10-376F02/06/200910028585Mercedes vehicles: the xenon or bi-xenon headlamp not functioning. a function description can be found in wis document gf8s.10-p-20010 (203), gf82.10-p-0003q (209); gf82.10-p-3002r (230). model years uknown. *pe05/11/2009
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
47003605/01/2009PB-47-00-36B10016670Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. this may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or in09/27/2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
PB-42-46-10212/19/200810028644Mercedes: vehicle fails star diagnosis test; inspect brake system for air. models 230, 219, and 211. model years 2003-2009. *pe05/12/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PB-42-46-10212/19/200810028644Mercedes: vehicle fails star diagnosis test; inspect brake system for air. models 230, 219, and 211. model years 2003-2009. *pe05/12/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - WHEEL CYLINDERS
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
TSB-42-10-10906/15/200910030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. once the corrosion protection is damaged or removed the brake components an12/22/2009
STEERING
PB-46-20-16E02/27/200910028587Mercedes: leaks at steering gear control head connection to high or low pressure lines or leaks at internal steering lines of control head connection to steering gear housing. models 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, and 205/11/2009
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
PB-46-20-16E02/27/200910028587Mercedes: leaks at steering gear control head connection to high or low pressure lines or leaks at internal steering lines of control head connection to steering gear housing. models 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, and 205/11/2009
SUSPENSION
PB-32-50-35C02/22/200810028626Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. models 215.3, 220, and 230. model years unknown.05/12/2009
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
32254602/05/200710021522Knocking noise from the front axle area. *kb05/14/2007

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SUSPENSION
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION - LINES AND FITTINGS
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION - SPRINGS/BAGS
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - REAR
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM - LINES AND FITTINGS
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM - SPRINGS/BAGS
PE07042MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.08/14/200711/20/2007AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILURE
 The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
09/01/2007203/01/2007
 2003 mercedes sl-55 engine stalled several times over a period of two weeks. *kb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
04/02/2009600001
 Abc suspension system and intercooler pump for turbo failed on 2003 sl55 amg. very common problem on these vehicles as evidenced on the mb boards. recall should be issued. *tr
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12/13/201254000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl55 amg. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he could hear something moving abnormally within the fuel tank. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that he needed to replace the fuel tank. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 54,000. kmj
12/13/201254000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl55 amg. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds he heard something moving in his gas tank other than fluid. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. after diagnosing the vehicle they advised him that he needed a new fuel tank. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 54,000. tb
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
10/15/2009232851
 Defective fuel tank baffles. fuel tank baffle(s) come loose and bounce around inside tank banging the sides of the fuel tank. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
08/17/2007220001
 I was having some trouble with the brakes, i brought the car back into the shop 3 times to let them know that the brakes were failing - once i almost ran a pedestrian over as i tried to stop and the vehicle brakes appeared to not work at all - the hydraulic system they say does nothing. another time pulling into a parking space no brakes again and if it weren't for the concrete block i would have run into the store front. the last time was at my home - pulling into the driveway. after bringing the car into the mercedes dealer multiple times with the same problem they told me everything was fine until i was out one night and came to a stop sign and the brakes failed and i went into a concrete barrier. i wish i had visited this site before the accident happened - i would recommend that anyone with a 2003 mercedes sl get rid of it - bring it back to mercedes and demand a 2004 or newer car before this happens to you. mercedes came to inspect the vehicle at the autobody shop and will not release their findings to me - i am thinking of getting a lawyer involved. - i have never in my life been in a situation where you are so helpless and mercedes knows about this - what a crime. *tr
SUSPENSION
04/02/2009600001
 Abc suspension system and intercooler pump for turbo failed on 2003 sl55 amg. very common problem on these vehicles as evidenced on the mb boards. recall should be issued. *tr

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
CARIVERSIDE99999WALTERS MERCEDES BENZ
NJFAIRFIELD07004GLOBE MOTORS9732273600