Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2022 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (8 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2018 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2015 at 0 (from 4 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, 1 of 8 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2022
2016
2018
2015
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance | — |
| 2022 Most | 2 | 8 | 0 | Electrical system | — |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Electrical system, Communication | — |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 0 | Powertrain, Speed control | — |
| 2017 | 0 | 4 | 0 | Electrical system | — |
| 2016 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 0 | Tires | — |
| 2015 Fewest | 0 | 4 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2014 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Wheels | — |
| 2013 → | 1 | 18 | 0 | Steering | — |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Convertible
- Oil
- 0W-30 or 0W-40 (verify Mercedes LL label) · 8.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/40R18, 255/35R19, 285/35R18, 285/30R19
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- Body styles
- Convertible
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 6.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/40R18, 255/35R19, 285/35R18, 285/30R19
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2018 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2015 at 0 (from 4 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz SL-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2022 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (8 complaints). On the 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, 1 of 8 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Mercedes-Benz SL-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a US Mercedes-Benz SL-Class use?
0W-20 With filter, about 6.3 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.
What tire sizes fit a US Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Published US specs commonly list front 255/40R18, 255/35R19, 285/35R18, 285/30R19 and rear 255/40R18, 255/35R19, 285/35R18, 285/30R19; confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
Where should I confirm Mercedes-Benz SL-Class maintenance specs?
Use the US owner manual and under-hood labels for oil grade, capacities, and tire pressures; this page summarizes common US fitments but does not replace the manual.