Saturn SL Problems by Year
NHTSA has 1,605 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls on file for the Saturn SL, across 8 model years (1995–2002). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (355). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Saturn SL years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1995 SL: 355 complaints, 3 recalls
- 1996 SL: 287 complaints, 1 recall
- 1997 SL: 227 complaints, 2 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2001 SL: 111 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2002 SL: 131 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 SL: 148 complaints, 7 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Saturn SL problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling problems | 309 | 8 | 4 |
| Electrical System problems | 232 | 8 | 5 |
| Power Train problems | 232 | 8 | 11 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems | 192 | 8 | 32 |
| Seats problems | 135 | 8 | 75 |
| Air Bags problems | 121 | 8 | 89 |
| Steering | 99 | 8 | 20 |
| Tires | 85 | 8 | 12 |
| Visibility | 76 | 8 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 74 | 8 | 10 |
| Seat Belts | 72 | 6 | 20 |
| Structure | 58 | 8 | 5 |
| Suspension | 44 | 8 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 34 | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 32 | 8 | 0 |
| Equipment | 29 | 7 | 1 |
| Parking Brake | 16 | 6 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 15 | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Child Seat | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Saturn SL problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
- 1996: engine and engine cooling (63)
- 1995: seats (69) · engine and engine cooling (67) · service brakes, hydraulic (51)
All Saturn SL model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 SL | 131 | 0 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2001 SL | 111 | 2 | — | Electrical System | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2000 SL | 148 | 7 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1999 SL | 178 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1998 SL | 168 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1997 SL | 227 | 2 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
| 1996 SL | 287 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
| 1995 SL | 355 | 3 | — | Seats | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Saturn: all Saturn models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn SL years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (355) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SL year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Saturn SL?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 309 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Saturn SL have?
12 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.