Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Saturn SL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The cruise control would not disengage when brake was applied and the vehicle kept accelerating.tt consumer was traveling wst and the cruise control was set, after first sign indicating consumer's exit turned off cruise control at steering colum, vehicle continued to move at same speed, attempted to disengage by applying the brakes, but nothing happened, the vehicle continued at full speed.
Throttle plate at air inlet to fuel injection system sticks each time pedal is initially pressed down from a released position, eventually releasing with sufficient applied force. This can result in a substantial jolt in acceleration from a vehicle-stopped position. Saturn service confirms that this is a relatively common problem, and is easily repaired as a maintenance procedure.
After barely two years, the cruise control began working only intermittently; it now seldom works. Before the car had 50,000 miles, the sunroof would get stuck in the open position whenever it was used. Eventually, after a Saturn dealer claimed it could not replicate the problem, the sunroof became permanently stuck in the open position and had to be replaced.
Car loses power /a slight gas smell /car cuts out/ check engine light comes on/ starts again after a few tries/ car has beenserviced 4 times/it runs well sometimes/ then it does it again/mechanic does not know what it is/when he has car it does not do it/he does see gas all over engine a few times/
While idling in park position engine began racing on its own accord. This has happened several times while driving. Contacted dealer and manufacturer. While pulling into the dealership engine began to race. Put it in park and got the service manager to observe. He had no explanation.
Sudden acceleration is ongoing. When slowing down for a signal light the vehicle jumps from about 1200 to 1800 RPM, and sometimes it will accelerate while the foot is on the brake pedal. During the acceleration, the brake pedal is trying to come back up.
While driving on highway at approximately 45mph and the accelerator pedal, on its own accord, went straight to the floor. Had to turn off ignition switch to shut vehicle off. This has happened twice. Contacted dealer.
Cruise control failed to disengage, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of contol, resulting in accident/injury.
When slowing down and shifting transmission from 3rd to 2nd gear, rpms jum from 1200 to 1800, and vehicle will accelerate. Could result in loss of control.
When after sittin governight, and when first starting early in the morning, the throttle would stick and not return. It was diagnosed as a binding cable.
Acceleration complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1995 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1995 Saturn SL, 7% of the model year's 355 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Saturn SL acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1995 Saturn SL, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.