Model year record
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class recalls & problems
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 12 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is equipment (4 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.; Electrical | 4 | — |
| Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Power assist | 3 | — |
| SuspensionFront | 2 | — |
| VisibilityWindshield; Defroster/defogger/hvac system | 2 | — |
| Fuel system, otherStorage › Tank assembly › Filling/charging | 2 | — |
| Power trainAutomatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch | 1 | — |
| Service brakes, electric | 1 | — |
| Exterior lightingTail lights | 1 | — |
| Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump | 1 | — |
| Latches/locks/linkagesTrunk lid › Lock | 1 | — |
| StructureBody | 1 | — |
| Tires | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Tires
PURCHASED NEW MICHELIN SPORT TIRES DOT GUDL 275/35 ZR 18 ON11/3/2010 AND FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURING DATE WAS 1107. THESE TIRES WERE OVER 3 YEARS OLD AND SHOULD HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD AS NEW. THE TIRE DEALER ACCEPTED MY COMPLAINT AND REPLACED THEM WITH 0909 TIRES. THE OLD ONES WERE BEING RETURNED TO THE DISTRIBUTOR BUT I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THEY ARE GOING TO BE RESOLD OR DESTROYED. SHOULDN'T THERE BE GUIDELINES MAKING SURE 3 YR OLD TIRES ARE DESTROYED AND NOT SOLD AS NEW? *TR
- Suspension › Front
PURCHASED 1998 MERCEDES BENZ SL 600 FROM MBZ SAN FRANCISCO DEALERSHIP ON 4/22/09. IMMEDIATELY REPORTED EXCESSIVE AND DANGEROUS BOUNCING OF FRONT END. REPORTED DEFECT DEALER TOOK NO ACTION. TOOK CAR TO MBZ OF OAKLAND WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED BAD FRONT SUSPENSION PRESSURE CELLS WHICH CLEARLY EXISTED AT TIME OF SALE. OAKLAND MBZ COMPED DIAGNOSTIC. HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE SF MBZ CORRECT PROBLEM, BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE WORK AND HAVE IGNORED MY LETTERS. *TR
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
THE BRAKE SYSTEM VACUUM BOOSTER DID NOT HOLD THE VACUUM AND CAUSED A HISSING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND FOR A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COST. PH *NLM
- Structure › Body
HARD TOP. CD PLAYER. PHONE. WOOD TRIM PAINT. MOST PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DEALER ERRORS.
- Fuel system, other
GAS GAUGE.
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Filling/charging
GAS TANK FUEL SENDING UNIT.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
HEATING, A/C, AND RADIO FAILURES.
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
ANTENNA FAILED. *YC
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.