2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls and problems

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 has 3 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 recalls

Recall 19V-787: Communication

Reported Nov 1, 2019 · 24,226 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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

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

Fix: 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 16V-899: Steering

Reported Dec 14, 2016 · 70 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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 13V-542: Air Bags

Reported Nov 1, 2013 · 130 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	5
Power Train	4
Engine	4
Wheels	3
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Service Brakes	1
Suspension	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Mar 28, 2025

I was driving on a country road when all of a sudden my car lost power all the warning lights camo on the dashboard. Smoke started billowing out from the back and front of the car. It turned off and I only coasted about a 100 feet. I could not safely pull off to the side of the road as the car had no power. Thankfully the road was not very busy and the tow truck collected the vehicle. Upon further inspection I saw a lot of oil on the road and the mechanics were able to confirm that the engine block was cracked and there were 2 large holes. Upon further research I was able to find a lot of…

Steering · at 60,000 miles · reported Dec 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V899000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure…

Suspension · reported Jun 7, 2024

The rear subframe experienced excessive levels of rust which caused the rear left side to suddenly collapse. After the collapse, the car would fish tail at low speeds (i.e., less than 15 miles per hour). I am thankful that the collapse did not happen when traveling at higher speeds such as an expressway, which would have certainly caused an accident. The Mercedes Benz dealer refused to cover the cost of the work to replace/repair the subframe. The dealer stated that they would cover the cost under an âextended warrantyâ if the car was manufactured for the US, but, as I found out, the car…

Power Train · reported Apr 12, 2024

Started the vehicle and used the gear selector to shift to Drive. Car did not go into gear. Towed to dealer. Dealer found faulty âism module.â Apparently a very common issue with these cars. So common that the part is in an âindefinite back order.â The replacement part is also revised because Mercedes knows there was a manufacturer defect with the existing part. I am being charged more than $1600 on a part that the manufacturer has already acknowledged was faulty and created a replacement for it.

Steering · reported Dec 29, 2021

Our power steering went out all of a sudden. We took this to our mechanic who said it was a recall for the power steering. Fletcher Jones Mercedes' looked at the vehicle did a computer update recall and said the power steering is not covered. The car is very unsafe and we need this fixed.

Other Mercedes-Benz SL550 years

2017 2016 2015 201420132009 2008 2007

Compare all Mercedes-Benz SL550 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550: 19V-787 (communication), 16V-899 (steering), 13V-542 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550?

Owners report steering problems most often (5 reports), followed by power train (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.