Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 131 | −41% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2001 | 111 | −42% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2000 | 148 | −20% | 7 | Engine | Average |
| 1999 | 178 | typical | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 168 | typical | — | Transmission | Average |
| 1997 | 227 | 1.4× | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 1996 | 287 | 1.7× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
| 1995 | 355 | 2.1× | 3 | Seat | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median SL year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Saturn SL problems
Latest Saturn SL recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a console armrest fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." the armrests were produced with a latch that will not withstand the vertical force requirements of the standard.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the console armrest latch.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." these vehicles were produced with brake pipe attachment nuts that May not be tightened to specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake pipe nuts for leakage, verify they are tightened to specifications, and replace the brake pipes if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Saturn SL should you avoid?
1995 and 1996 — these years have the most complaints relative to other SL years at the same age, led by seats problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Saturn SL?
2001 has the fewest complaints compared with other SL years at the same age, followed by 2002 and 2000. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Saturn SL problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (322), transmission & drivetrain (232) and electrical system (232). Engine complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the Saturn SL had?
12 recalls across 1995–2002. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Saturn SL recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.