2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 1 of 2 complaints (50%) mentions it.
Complaints filed fell from 4 in 2017 to 2 in 2018.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 Two Seaters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,350–4,550 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,350–4,850 | 3,350–4,300 | 3,500–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 17–23 | 16–23 | 16–23 | 18–23 | 20–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–20 / 21–27 | 13–20 / 22–28 | 13–20 / 22–28 | 15–20 / 23–28 | 17–20 / 25–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 392–539 | 383–546 | 383–546 | 387–488 | 395–435 | |
| Complaints filed | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class have?
2 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class get?
EPA rates it 16–23 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
EPA estimates $3,350–$4,850 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 9-spd | 8 | 4.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 442 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 5.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 16 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 12 | 6.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 13 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 546 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Two Seaters | 20 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $3,350 (low) | 383 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 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 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 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 (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V571000 · Aug 5, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 SL65 AMG, 2019 SL63 AMG and 2018-2019 SL450 and SL550 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been improperly sewn, allowing the seam to tear during deployment.
Consequence: A tear in the air bag may decrease performance and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100016.