Mercedes-Benz SL-Class problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 18 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 46,750 mi · ~$700 to fix
- powertrain — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 14,600 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- engine — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 74,000 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- wheels — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 26,324 mi · ~$400 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Our power steering went out all of a sudden. We took this to our mechanic who said it was a recall for the power steering. Fletcher Jones Mercedes' looked at the vehicle did a computer update recall and said the power steering is not covered. The car is very unsafe and we need…
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the steering…
Cam sensor seals failed which leaked oil into the wire harness, O2 sensors, and ECM. This happens to be a common problem with M278 engine. The repair was $10,217 to fix this issue. The car would not pass emissions without this repair. Could oil into the electrical system…
My vehicle has a cam seal leak that leaked oil into the wiring harness and wiring harness and other components need to be replaced -- the bill is $10,800 --- this cam seal was a recall issue for the c class and from what I read seems to be the same or similar issue --- not an…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 5 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 46,750 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 18 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 46,750 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 5 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 46,750 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 46,750 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 18 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.