Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Saturn SL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated the coolant level indicator light illuminated. When the coolant was checked, the coolant level was low and thickened. On further investigation, coolant had been found mixed into the oil due to the gasket breaking down from contact with the coolant. The oil mixed with the coolant caused sludge build up in the engine. The contact notified the service dealer who recommended flushing the radiator. The manufacturer was notified.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Saturn sl2. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure occurs when the vehicle has traveled long distances. The dealer is unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The current mileage is 181,000 and failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My 1998 Saturn (1.9)had oil in the coolant. It had a crack in the # 3 cam journal. The car only had 72188 miles. I had followed all their regular service. I knew that they had problems with the head in 1994 and 1995 models. But was told that problem was fixed. Cost was $1990.
The car was parked at home Saturday night, went to drive it Sunday and it made a strange noise. The car was brought to the mechanic who sent it to Saturn where it was determined to have a blown motor (the car only has 40,000 miles on it,and the oil was changed regularly).
The vehicle stalled intermittently while driving. The cam switch was replaced twice, the idle control was adjusted and the throttle was replaced yet the problem recurred. The vehicle lunged forward when the vehicle was shifted in reverse. The transmission was replaced.
The motor mount failed. Dealer notified. The mount probably malfunctioned prior to 52184 miles. The mounts for the vibration was found on the top of the engine in which the mount(s) cracked. The water pump was replaced because a leak was found.
Cracked cylinder head on 1998 sl1 Saturn with 70,000 miles. Car was loosing coolant. Cost $2,000 in labor to repair, problem seems to appear with other consumers complaining as well. Manufacturer should consider this a defect and reimburse for cost of reapir.
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!
For the past 2-3 years I have had a massive oil consumption problem with my Saturn sl2 '98. I brought it to two Saturn dealerships who told me that I had no leak nor was my car burning oil, in essence that I was imagining this problem. In July of 2003, the problem had gotten so bad that I was adding oil every 100 miles, then the car broke down and I brought it to a Saturn dealership. They said it was the timing belt/gasket and I replaced them on their recommendation that it would fix all the problems - cost $1000. The car continues to consume massive amounts of oil and regularly exhibits a burning smell. I brought it to a Saturn dealer last week who now tells me that the cam cover is cracked and needs to be replaced; however, he told me that I probably indeed have significant engine damage as a result of my many oil problems that this repair will not fix. …
Cracked head cylinder at 16K miles without any unusual or harsh driving. Car had to be towed to the dealer. No oil was left in the car -- it was in an "undriveable" condition. The service dept was shocked this happened on a twin overhead cam engine & thus didn't even stock the part to fix the car. Dealer also said there was no engine damage, although I find that hard to believe since the car was driven for some time without realizing the problem.
Engine complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Saturn SL, 17% of the model year's 168 complaints. The component named most often is engine (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Saturn SL engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Saturn SL. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Saturn SL engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
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.