Saturn SL Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 232 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Saturn SL across 8 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (40). The words owners use most often: “valve body” (6% of reports).
- 232power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $2,900typical repair cost reported by owners
- 24%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Valve body: mentioned in 14 of 232 complaints (6%)
- Manual transmission: mentioned in 13 of 232 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Saturn SL at $2,900, and half of them between $770 and $4,200.
Based on 21 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2014), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 99 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 232 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 8 an injury.
Saturn SL power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Model years: 2000, 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles were built with an improperly adjusted automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly. If improperly adjusted, it is possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed.
Risk: This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
Fix: Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted. If owners are not comfortable performing the functional check themselves, they can have their dealer perform this inspection for them.
Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Model years: 1995
Problem: The automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly was improperly adjusted making it possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed, or remove the ignition key with the shift lever in a position other than "park." this does not meet the requirements of fmvss 114, "theft protection."
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: unintended vehicle movement can occur which could result in an accident.
Fix: Consumers are being asked to inspect the park lock cable. If it does not perform correctly, dealers will make the necessary adjustments.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I OWN A 2002 SATURN SL VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 7/2016. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY VEHICLE. BOTH STARTER AND BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN CHECKED OUT OK. ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED ON 10/31/18. AFTER THESE REPAIRS, WHEN STARTED IT STILL MADE VERY NOISY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW I CAN'T GET…
Coolant around the spark plug nearest the transmission, engine oil is visible in coolant tank. Internet search revealed a cracked head due to factory defect in head casting. Gm did not issue a recall! *tr
Saturn is an l200 series/there was only the ls on your list.numerous occasions of engine stall while traveling at all speeds. Called saturn/said vin not accepted? Live in florida keys/had to go to miami & get tail lamp fixed/only lasted two weeks (this was before engine stall) & call to saturn. Am…
Roll pin on retainer in transmission differential sheered off causing the retaining pin to wear through the bell housing and seize transmission. A roll pin is like using a rivet to hold a very important mechanical component together. This is another horrible gm design. This is an accident waiting…
Just wanting to let you know that when the car is moving or still, i can move the shift from d to n without having to press the button to unlock the shifter. Same can be said from n to r. I've never tried it when it's moving, but when the car is stopped, i can push it from d to r. That would be…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Saturn SLs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 232 owner complaints about power train for the Saturn SL. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Saturn SL power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Saturn SL?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,900 (half paid between $770 and $4,200), from 21 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Saturn SL?
The most frequent phrase is “valve body”, in 14 of 232 complaints, followed by “manual transmission” (13).
Other Saturn SL problems
See all Saturn SL problems.