Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
Convertible, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Feb 6, 2026 to Feb 6, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year31.54M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2020 convertible
Severity index100.02020 convertibles average 16.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-365 | May 20, 2022 | Error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system | Communication | 242,722 | Software update |
| 21V-961 | Dec 13, 2021 | During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak | Fuel system | 139 | Part replacement |
| 21V-058 | Feb 5, 2021 | Software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the… | Communication | 1,292,258 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Feb 6, 2026Failure Aug 27, 2025Los Angeles, CAEngine, Power train, Vehicle speed controlCrash1 injured
I do Own a Mercedes-Benz 2020 SL-550. On August 27, 2025, I was stopped at the curb adjacent to my house at [XXX] . When I gently tried to go right into driveway of my house, the tire hit the curb. When I gently again tried to release the tire from the curb, the car all of the sudden jump into the air with high speed, and hit the corner of my garrage destroying the roll-up door. I could not control the car and the car was deemed to be a total loss. My position is that the incident happened due to malfunction of the Engine & Power Train which is a "Product-Defect" issue, causing me substantial damages. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11716315
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
77 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- LI27.00-P-073124 Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent … - LI46.35-P-067339 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not imp… - LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis wor… - LI27.00-P-075630 Aug 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint This document is intended as a pre-case diagnostic reference for transmission related concerns. It will also ensure that if a case is necessary, all supporting documentation is available. This should not be used on its own as justification for cre… - LI27.00-P-080840 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Mercedes-Benz USA is currently experiencing limited availability of transmission fluid specification ATF 236.17 due to a global supply constraint. 236.17 ATF 1L and 5L (PNs: A002989060312 and A002989060313) bottles are out of stock or in limited s… - LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by exp… - LI33.20-P-078406 Jul 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp… - LI33.20-P-078406 Jul 7, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp… - LI82.85-P-080507 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N1… - PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/22 May 22, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026. After June 11… - LI82.85-P-080559 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be c… - LI82.30-P-059239 May 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled … - PSL-NCU Return Parts 5/15 May 15, 2026 · Other
The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, June 4, 2026. After June 4th, returns of these parts will no… - LI33.20-P-078406 May 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comp… - LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm… - LI82.10-P-078301 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm … - LI54.65-P-080132 Feb 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - LI82.10-P-078307 Feb 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A… - LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm … - LI82.10-P-078896 Feb 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A… - LI27.19-P-080219 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Check engine light on with the following fault is current in the VGS Control Unit: P084300 Oil pressure sensor 'A' has a short circuit to positive stored in VGS control unit. Cause Electrical failure of oil pressure sensor integrated into VGS Cont… - LI27.10-P-075869 Feb 3, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistak… - LI27.35-P-080160 Dec 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint (Original LI document #: LI27.35-P-079039) Clicking noises from the electro-hydraulic control unit (EHS) when the vehicle is stationary and ECO Start/Stop is active (combustion engine is off). The noise is more noticeable outside the vehicle and i… - LI27.35-P-079971 Nov 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Possible complaints about shift quality, issues with learning the park lock, and slipping/rinse entries in the EEPROM or Transmission Health system following the replacement of the below components: - The electrohydraulic control unit (EHS valve b… - LI27.10-P-075869 Nov 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistak… - LI27.19-P-072588 Sep 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54… - LI46.15-P-063353 Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment jammed in the top/bottom adjustment position (e.g. with Easy Entry function), noise (breakaway noise) when leaving the limit stops of the height adjustment. Cause Height adjustment moves to … - LI33.30-P-056665 May 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eli… - CL - 05012025 May 30, 2025 · Other
In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (“DMTL”) on your… - LI82.85-P-079271 May 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. Cause The message "SOS - Service not activated" tells the … - LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A… - LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Remedy NOTE: If a pressure compensati… - LI27.35-P-079039 Mar 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint A clicking/ticking/taping noise from underneath the vehicle with engine off during ECO stop event or after parking See video for example Cause Noise originates within the transmission valvebody Remedy Take a video from underneath vehicle recording… - LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. C… - LI35.30-P-058566 Jan 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is elimina… - LI33.20-P-078406 Jan 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements. Sound file attached for comparison. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. For 192 and 232: Only affects vehicles in the below FIN rang… - LI27.19-P-072588 Nov 20, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processe… - LI33.20-P-078406 Nov 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements. Sound file attached for comparison. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. For 192 and 232: Only affects vehicles up to FIN vehicle ide… - LI82.10-P-078069 Nov 13, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing … - LI27.10-P-075869 Nov 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil qual… - LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 23, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose c… - LI82.70-P-077433 Sep 28, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. C… - LI33.20-P-078406 Sep 26, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements. Sound file attached for comparison. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. For 192 and 232: Only affects vehicles up to VIN vehicle ide… - LI82.10-P-078307 Sep 21, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A… - LI82.10-P-078304 Sep 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to the housing cover with pressure compensation diaphragm, the headlamps are a "closed system". This means that the headlamps are protected against acid gases, dirt and exhaust gas. However, moistur… - LI82.10-P-078301 Sep 10, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicabl… - LI27.00-P-075630 Sep 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint To insure vehicle down time is kept at a minimum and all required information is available when case is escalated, as well as assist technicians with checks that may help lead in resolving issue without case creation. THIS LI IS NOT TO BE USED AS … - LI27.00-P-073124 Jul 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G-TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent … - LI27.10-P-075869 Jul 9, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil qual… - LI82.10-P-078069 Jul 23, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing … - NCU-OTAcommNoMMC Jan 18, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mercedes-Benz AG (âMBAGâ), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that in certain MY 2017-2021 C-Class, CLA, CLS, E-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, AMG GT, S-Class, SL, and SLC (205, 117, 257, 213/238, 253, 166/292, 190/290,217/222, 231, 172) vehicles, the… - LI46.10-P-077314 Jan 24, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Noises in the steering column area when steering. Under analysis. Check which area of the steering column the noises occur in. Do the noises tend to occur at the bottom in the driver footwell or do they tend to occur in the area of the steering colum… - LI46.10-P-077313 Jan 24, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The steering wheel generates grinding noises between the steering wheel and steering column switch module during steering maneuvers See example file in the attachments area: Lenkrad-Schleifgeräusch_SteeringWheel-GrindingNoises.mp4 The plastic cover on… - LI91.18-P-077075 Dec 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ⢠Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ⢠Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). ⢠Light init… - LI82.85-P-076800 Oct 10, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The "SOS nonfunctional" message appears sporadically in the instrument cluster of the vehicle. The fault code B129C00 is stored in the control unit log. The message occurs in particular after the vehicle has been non-operational for an extended period of t… - LI82.85-P-076799 Aug 18, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Mercedes me connect services cannot be activated. The remote status data does not update. Error in N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES). In the HERMES control unit log, under the "URL" tab, the value DEFAULT is stored for "atpServ… - NCU-HU SW Update Aug 28, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2018-2023 C-Class, EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, EQS SUV, GLC, GLE and S-Class (206, 295, 294, 297, 296, 254, 167 and 223 platform) vehicles, the communication mod… - ELW - M278 Cat Jul 27, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 11, 2023, and clarifies replacement part information. In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz AG (“MB… - ELW-M278Catalyst May 11, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This extended warranty applies to the following condition that may necessitate the repair or replacement of the catalytic converter system and is related to: • A check engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’) may illuminate due to sulfur contamination in … - LI72.20-P-075746 Jan 5, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. E.g. when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded …
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.