Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
My 23 yr old son was traveling from ventura, ca at 75 MPH on fwy 99 n bound in the middle lane (of 3) at about 1 a.m. In fresno, ca. Just before arriving at his exit to hwy 41 n, the rear end began to skid to the left. Driver steered into the skid to correct while stepping on the brakes to reduce speed. Suddenly the rear end of the car was hurled into the air causing the entire vehicle to go airborne, clearing the third lane (far right lane) and landing on top of asphalt berm and soft, sandy embankment resulting in the car rolling and going airborne, bouncing off the rear end of the car and going airborne yet a third time landing upside down on the shoulder of the freeway with the nose of the car extending into the third lane. Driver received minor injuries but chp officers were astonished it was not a fatality. Car was totaled. …
While parking my 1898 Saturn SL in a hospital garage, the shift lever went limp without warning. There was no way to operate the transmission. When I removed the console, I discovered that the plastic bushing that connects the manual shift lever to the shift cable was missing. There was no longer any connection between the shift lever and the cable to the transmission. The entire shift cable assembly had to be replaced to fix the problem. Saturn told me that the bushing is made onto the cable rather than being available as a separate part. If this bushing had failed in a traffic situation it could have resulted in an accident. The bushing should be designed such that if it brakes; the shift lever will remain connected to the shift cable and just cause sloppy shifting thereby warning the driver that repair is required. I still have the old shift cable assembly.
Consumer was traveling 55mph on wet roads vehicle downshifted into low gear at highway speed. Consumer lost control and crashed into a concrete bridge which guided him to a stop. Twice vehicle was in shop for clunking, and twice with downshifting added. Vehicle in a repair shop to see what damage has been done. The consumer says the dealer should have addressed the symptems of potentially dangerous transmission problem during the 4 service periods. The vehicle was a total loss. The consumer was sekking financial reimbersement for the loss and expenses.
Consumer noticed upon starting vehicle park paw would not shift out of park. Dealer has been contacted. This happened on four different occasions. Consumer had to rock the vehicle, restart, pump the brakes and giggle the lever before it would release. When changing gear a scrapping sound was heard and Saturn stated it would get worse. After four times, consumer had it replaced at a cost of $#144.09. Consumer noted Saturn would not work on his vehicle maybe because he filled a complaint for shabby work.
1998 Saturn with 49,000 miles needed the whole transmission to be rebuilt. The valve bodies are kept in stock at Saturn of route 23 because this is such a common problem with Saturn. The car had been properly maintained, trans service at 25,500 miles. Saturn will take no responsibility in the cost of repairs. I've noted that Saturn is on several webb sites with transmission failures documented.
Caution: Saturn automatic transmision May be dangerous if it hesitates and clunks into gear or downshifts inappropriately. Saturn's computer diagnostic system May not detect dangerous transmission control condition. Saturn corp. Policy on paying dealer for diagnostic work for warranty items May discourage dealer from further investigating possibly dangerous conditions.
Vehicle wanders from side to side when driving at approximately 30-60mph. Loud banging noise occurs when going over bumps. High frequency whining from the engine that adds to the noise. Also, transmission shifting has too little or too much power. Dealer/western region mfr. Contacted and cannot remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
Vehicle was not running properly. Taken to mechanic who told me that vehicle was 5 quarts low on transmission fluid and vehicle would have stopped running if not taken care of at that time. Although vehicle only had 35000 miles on it transmission, which had defect, had to be rebuilt for $2400+.
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.
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!
Transmission complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Saturn SL, 20% of the model year's 168 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Saturn SL transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.