Does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class have any recalls?

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: exterior lighting, visibility, engine and engine cooling. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class?

2 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Mercedes-Benz been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class recalls, newest first

April 7, 2009NHTSA 09E01200016,270 vehicles potentially affected

Exterior lighting

Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed

Summary: Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Consequence: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

September 19, 1996NHTSA 96V17500028,874 vehicles potentially affected

Visibility

Summary: If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.
Consequence: Pump operation in the absence of fluid can cause the pump to overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 4, 1996NHTSA 96V058000149 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Summary: The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.
Consequence: Loss of these systems can cause the car to over heat, lose power from the battery, and loss of control of the car increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Deaths reported: 0

Most complained-about components

Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood1
Engine and engine cooling1

Other Mercedes-Benz SL Class years

Other 1996 Mercedes-Benz models

Most recalled 1996 vehicles

1996 Dodge Caravan (16 recalls)
1996 Honda Civic (16 recalls)
1996 Dodge Ram (14 recalls)
1996 Plymouth Voyager (13 recalls)
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (13 recalls)

All of 1996’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class have any recalls?: 3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: exterior lighting, visibility, engine and engine cooling. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Class?: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.