Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ SL Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ SL Class and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ SL Class vs FORD F 150: The SL Class has 17 complaints over 10 years (1.7/year) and 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ SL Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ SL Class
The Mercedes-Benz SL Class is a low-volume luxury roadster with only 17 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1.7 per year. Owners report electrical gremlins that drain both batteries and disable safety features, plus engine stalls and transmission gear sticking. With zero recalls on record, the main worry is persistent electrical faults rather than widespread safety campaigns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year, and 151 recalls. The dominant pattern is power train problems—especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures—alongside electrical issues and rear-window defroster shorts. This is a much more heavily reported vehicle, with 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ SL Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ SL Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 02ENGINE5
- 03POWER TRAIN4
- 04STEERING2
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
Owners report the electrical system drains both batteries after the car sits idle for a few hours, and if it starts, safety features like adaptive cruise and air back seatbelts may be inoperable until driven 30–40 minutes. Another owner had all warning lights come on, shutting down safety systems while driving.
One owner of a 2022 AMG SL55 reported the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and stalled at 55 mph with no warning light, then restarted normally. This stall pattern is a concern because it can happen without warning.
A 2020 SL-550 owner described the transmission sticking in 4th or 3rd gear on the highway, with speed dropping abruptly from 65 to 40 mph and the gas pedal becoming unresponsive. Another reported tire/curb interaction leading to a power train issue when trying to release the tire.
One owner reported the steering wheel stuck in the up position and not adjusting to the preset, requiring the easy entry/exit feature to be turned off and the wheel slapped downward to unstick. The owner noted this could lead to loss of control if it happens in motion.
“My mom and I were in her car brand new Mercedes adaptive cruise was on the car started to act up with all the warning lights again, which shut all safety systems down air back seatbelts, adaptive cruise, Tronics and the engine wall between 18 wheeler and the…”
“The electrical systems drains the two batteries after the car sits idle for a few hours. If it can be started, many of the safety features are inoperable until the car is driven for 30 or 40 minutes. I've had it to multiple Mercedes dealers and all they do is…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners repeatedly report transmission limp mode, often stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. A 2017 F-150 V8 with 6-speed automatic went into limp mode almost daily and failed to shift properly.
The same lead frame issue appears under electrical complaints, and one owner reported a 2017 F-150 entering highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure (code P0722) covered by a safety recall. Electrical faults can trigger limp mode and reduce power.
One owner reported the rear window exploded outward within minutes of turning off the rear defroster, which had been on for only 2 minutes. This suggests a short in the defroster circuit that can shatter the back window.
Engine complaints are among the top five components, though the sample text did not include a specific engine complaint. Given the high overall complaint volume, buyers should still check for engine-related recalls and service history.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ SL Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ SL Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz SL Class has far fewer complaints per year (1.7 vs. 1,162) and zero recalls versus 151 for the Ford F-150. In practice, the SL’s issues are more sporadic electrical and stall faults, while the F-150’s are widespread transmission and electrical problems that generate many more owner reports and safety campaigns.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: SL Class averages 1.7 complaints/year; F-150 averages 1,162/year—a massive difference in reported problems.
- Recalls: SL Class has 0 recalls; F-150 has 151 recalls, including engine, seat belt pretensioner, door latch, and air bag inflator subjects.
- Dominant failure pattern: SL Class owners report battery drain and safety-system shutdowns; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Crash/injury reports: SL Class has 2 crash-related complaints and 2 injuries; F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death.
- Check for battery drain: ask if the car has needed repeated battery replacements or if safety features stay inoperable after sitting idle.
- Test the steering wheel adjustment: verify it moves to preset positions and does not stick in the up position, especially with easy entry/exit enabled.
- Inspect transmission behavior: test drive for limp mode, harsh shifting, or sticking in gear, and ask for lead frame replacement records.
- Check rear window defroster: look for signs of shorting or prior window replacement, and test the defroster briefly for unusual behavior.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, especially the F-150’s 151 recalls.
- For the SL Class, test all electrical features after the car has sat for a few hours to check for battery drain.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive at highway speed to check for limp mode.
- Ask for service records showing lead frame or transmission repairs on the F-150.
- Verify the SL Class steering wheel adjusts fully and that no warning lights remain on after a cold start.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ SL Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 8 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 2 | 79 |
| 2017 | 4 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ SL Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class total complaints
- 17
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN