2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 6. The most common issue is air bags problems (83% of all complaints), specifically: mercedes cannot tell me when they will replace the defective takata air bag. i have been waiting on this for a year for two cars..
6
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 2 of 2)
AIR BAGS
5 complaints- • MERCEDES CANNOT TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIR BAG. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON THIS FOR A YEAR FOR TWO CARS.
- • TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A DEALER WHO HAS ANY INFLATORS TO COMPLETE THE RECALL. NHTSA RECALL - 16V081 AND NHTSA - 16V363
- • TAKATA RECALL--STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS FOR MY VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN 2-1/2 YEARS SINCE THE RECALL STARTED!
“MERCEDES CANNOT TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIR BAG. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON THIS FOR A YEAR FOR TWO CARS.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz SLS Service Intervals
Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles
These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2011 SLS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: MERCEDES CANNOT TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIR BAG. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON THIS FOR A YEAR FOR TWO CARS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: 2011 MERCEDES BENZ SLSC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INCIDENT. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY PEDAL MISAPPLI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz SLS — Year Comparison
How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 6
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS