1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 2 of 4 complaints (50%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 21 in 1998 to 4 in 1999.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300–5,550 | 4,550–5,550 | 4,550–5,550 | 4,550–5,550 | 4,550–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–18 | 14–17 | 14–17 | 14–17 | 14–17 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 12–16 / 19–22 | 12–14 / 18–21 | 12–14 / 17–21 | 12–14 / 18–21 | 12–14 / 17–21 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494–635 | 523–635 | 523–635 | 523–635 | 523–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 20 | 21 | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class get?
EPA rates it 14–17 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
EPA estimates $4,550–$5,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 14 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | 17 mpg (high) | $4,550 (low) | 523 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 12 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $5,550 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
WHEELS · Campaign 06E014000 · Feb 13, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN ZF TRADING NORTH AMERICA AFTERMARKET WHEEL BEARING KITS, LEMFOERDER P/N 1402301, SOLD FOR INSTALLATION ON 1992-2001 MERCEDES BENZ SL500 (R129) VEHICLES AFTER APRIL 1, 2005. THE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS USED IN THE WHEEL BEARING KIT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, SHEAR OFF AND BREAK. IF BOTH CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS BREAK, THE BRAKE CALIPER MAY BECOME UNFIXED AND, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BRAKED, THE BRAKE ROTOR COULD DRAG THE CALIPER, CAUSING THE BRAKE HOSE TO RUPTURE AND THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION TO BE DAMAGED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE'S BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: ZF TRADING WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND REPAIR THE WHEEL BEARING KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 27, 2006.