Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ SL Class vs Honda Accord
How the Mercedes BENZ SL Class and Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord: The SL Class has 17 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls. The SL Class averages 1.7 complaints per year versus 452.4 for the Accord. Both show serious issues, but the Accord’s volume means more reported defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ SL Class or Honda Accord 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 (about 1.7 per year) and no recalls on record. Owners report electrical gremlins that can drain both batteries and disable safety features, plus engine stalling and transmission shifting problems. With only 2 crash-related complaints and 2 injuries reported, the data suggests that while problems are infrequent, they can be serious when they occur.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a high-volume family sedan, with 4,524 complaints over 10 years (about 452 per year) and 38 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, especially engine problems, electrical failures, and forward collision avoidance malfunctions. The 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths indicate that some defects may have severe consequences, though the much larger number of Accords on the road means rates per vehicle are lower.
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 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 17 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
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 that the electrical system drains both batteries after the car sits idle for a few hours, leaving safety features inoperable until driven for 30–40 minutes. Another complaint describes warning lights shutting down adaptive cruise, airbags, and other safety systems while driving.
One owner of a 2022 AMG SL55 reported unintended deceleration and stalling at 55 mph with no warning light, though the car restarted normally. This suggests a potential intermittent stall that could be dangerous in traffic.
A 2020 SL-550 owner described the transmission getting stuck in 4th or 3rd gear on the highway, with speed dropping abruptly from 65 to 40 mph and the gas pedal becoming unresponsive. Another complaint involved difficulty releasing the tire from a curb, hinting at transmission or throttle control issues.
One owner reported the steering wheel stuck in the up position, requiring a slap to unstick it, and noted that if this happened while moving it could lead to loss of control. Another complaint linked steering warnings to a broader electrical shutdown.
“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…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, ABS, and critical failure, followed by loss of speed. Another describes rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and a jerk when the charge button is pressed.
A 2025 Accord Hybrid owner reported electronic power steering and braking systems completely failing and locking up at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another had a TPMS warning repaired, but the passenger-side tire catastrophically failed hours later.
Owners report the system failing to resolve threats, with one incident occurring twice under identical conditions on the same route. Another describes sudden braking or warnings with adaptive cruise control set at 70 mph, indicating unreliable obstacle detection.
One owner reported a persistent rotten-egg/sulfur odor that remained after a $407 filter replacement and odor treatment. Another described a foot slipping behind a plastic side panel, which could interfere with pedal operation.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
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.
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ SL Class or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz SL Class has far fewer complaints per year (1.7 vs. 452.4) and no recalls, while the Honda Accord has many more complaints and 38 recalls. In practice, the SL Class owner is less likely to experience frequent problems, but when issues arise they can involve stalling or electrical shutdowns. The Accord’s higher volume means more reported defects, but also more widespread parts and service availability.
Key differences
- The SL Class has 17 complaints over 10 years and 0 recalls, while the Accord has 4,524 complaints and 38 recalls.
- SL Class owners report battery drain and safety-system shutdowns; Accord owners report engine alarms, loss of speed, and forward collision avoidance failures.
- The Accord has 162 crash-related complaints, 146 injuries, and 3 deaths; the SL Class has 2 crash-related complaints and 2 injuries.
- Accord recalls cover hybrid power control software, spare tires, seat belt retractors, occupant classification sensors, and fuel pumps, while the SL Class has no recalls on record.
- Check for battery drain: ask if the car has been sitting idle and whether safety features work immediately after start-up, as owners report batteries draining after a few hours.
- Test the transmission at highway speeds for abrupt downshifts or getting stuck in gear, and verify the steering wheel adjusts properly and does not stick in the up position.
- Scan for stored codes related to the hybrid power control unit and forward collision avoidance, as owners report sudden warnings and braking failures.
- Inspect tires carefully, including the spare, and check for any history of TPMS repairs that might indicate a persistent tire defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm whether any open recalls apply, especially for the Accord’s hybrid software, fuel pump, or seat belt issues.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and use of adaptive cruise control to check for stalling, rough shifting, or false collision warnings.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and batteries on the SL Class, and the hybrid system and braking components on the Accord.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any repairs related to the specific complaints noted (battery drain, transmission, forward collision avoidance).
- Verify that all safety features, including airbags, seat belts, and driver-assist systems, are functional before purchase.
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 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 10 |
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 1 | 226 |
| 2022 | 8 | 252 |
| 2021 | 0 | 234 |
| 2020 | 2 | 362 |
| 2019 | 0 | 691 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 4 | 537 |
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 Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class vs Honda Accord
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class total complaints
- 17
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class total recalls
- 0
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class avg complaints/year
- 1.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class
- Mercedes BENZ SL Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE