2009 Mercedes Benz SL550 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
15 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
8,580 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 15 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 6 | 40.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 13.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 6.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Tires | 4 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 1 |
Service Brakes: 5; Tires: 4; Wheels: 4; Electrical System: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Structure: 1; Structure:Body: 1; Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
2010: 2; 2011: 3; 2012: 1; 2015: 1; 2017: 1; 2022: 5; 2025: 2
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10450455 · 2012-03-06 (March 6, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ SL550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BETWEEN 12/27/11 AND 12/28/11. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,892 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 15,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ UPDATED 04/09/12 THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT GRILL, BUMPER AND RETRACTABLE ROOF W…
Owner-reported narrative. 13,892 miles reported. Look up ODI 10450455 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11455468 · 2022-03-07 (March 7, 2022)
The brake handle popped off for parking brake
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11455468 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11495761 · 2022-12-02 (December 2, 2022)
This particular model 2009 Mercedes SL 550 hardtop convertible 5.5 liter motor has two batteries and accessory battery that battery that’s located in the trunk in the main starting battery that’s on the firewall. These batteries are both new in OEM recommended. If the car sits for 24 hours, it will not start. The electrical system is completely drained. There are many forms describing the same issue but yet the SL model is not included in a civil lawsuit. Mercedes-Benz definitely knows they have an issue in somehow it needs to be rectified.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11495761 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11701077 · 2025-11-23 (November 23, 2025)
I'm reporting a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE affecting all Mercedes-Benz R230 series SL roadsters, model years 2003–2012, of which approximately 85,000 were sold in the United States: • There are numerous reports on R230 SL owners' online forums that an electrical device located in the trunk of these vehicles known as the BCM [Battery Control Module] is prone to CATASTROPHIC FAILURE and melt-down. • The failed BCM can subsequently CATCH FIRE – potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering lives and property nearby. See photos attached from one SL…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11701077 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11642407 · 2025-02-13 (February 13, 2025)
Complete brake failure while driving. No one was injured but the vehicle could not be stopped until the transmission went into limp mode with still no brakes. Now the ABS and SRS lights on. Brake pedal to the floor. I completely have new brakes speed sensors fluid exchanges and more. The current recall doesn’t seem to cover my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and they said there are no open recalls.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11642407 at NHTSA ↗