1997 Mercedes Benz Sl320 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION FILAMENT OF THE AIR BAG GAS GENERATOR MODULE CAN OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN AREAS OF FREQUENTLY HIGH HUMIDITY.
What could happen: CORROSION OF THE IGNITION FILAMENT CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED UNINTENTIONALLY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 SL320.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V327000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CORROSION OF THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION FILAMENT OF THE AIR BAG GAS GENERATOR MODULE CAN OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN AREAS OF FREQUENTLY HIGH HUMIDITY.
Consequence: CORROSION OF THE IGNITION FILAMENT CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 18, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 Mercedes Benz Sl320 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Electrical system (2), Seat belts (1), Wheels / tires (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
04/09/2019 · Seat belts
AT A SLOW 5 MPH PARKING LOT SPEED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONING DEVICES IGNITED. THE SRS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THERE WERE NO IMPACTS, PREVIOUS COLLISIONS, OR ANY REASON FOR THESE PRE-TENSIONING DEVICES TO ACTIVATE. IT WAS STARTING AND MY WIFE'S CHEST HURT FOR A FEW DAYS AFTER.
04/22/2003 · Engine · fire
WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE BUT IT DID NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER THEN TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER THEN OPENED THE TRUNK AND AT THAT TIME THE CONSUMER SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE CONSUER THEN NOTICED THAT THE BLACK BOX, IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THE BATTER, B…
03/31/2003 · Engine
BURN SMELL COMING FROM ELECTRICAL HARNESS BOX. MR THE HARNESS BOX WAS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN OIL LEAK. *JB
02/01/1999 · Wheels / tires
CHROME TIRE WHEEL IS LOOSE. YH
09/30/1998 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
SINGLE WIPER BLADE HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIME IN 1 YR. DEALER STATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BLADES NOT LASTING.
10/15/1997 · Equipment
A/C FAILURE.