2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 2 of 4 complaints (50%) mention it.
Complaints filed held steady at 4 in both 2014 and 2015.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,550 | 3,900–4,550 | 3,350–4,550 | 3,350–4,550 | 3,350–4,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 17–20 | 17–20 | 17–23 | 17–23 | 16–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–17 / 21–25 | 14–18 / 21–25 | 14–20 / 21–27 | 14–20 / 21–27 | 13–20 / 22–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 448–537 | 442–537 | 393–537 | 392–539 | 383–546 | |
| Complaints filed | 18 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
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 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class get?
EPA rates it 17–23 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 442 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 14 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $4,550 (high) | 537 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 20 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 393 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 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 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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 (3)
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 16V899000 · Dec 14, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.
Consequence: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 16V439000 · Jun 15, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 SLK300, SLK350, SL400, SL550, and SL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from June 29, 2015, through July 13, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with low-beam headlights that may have been aimed incorrectly during vehicle production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Improperly adjusted low-beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary adjust the headlamps, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.