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 2000 Saturn SL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1. I purchased my 2000 Saturn sl1 from a used car dealer about 2 months ago. After I started the car and shifted into reverse. For a few seconds nothing happened and I thought I was either against a bump in the pavement or it was still in neutral. I gave it more gas. Suddenly, the car slammed into reverse and I nearly lost control and backed into a car. I checked the transmission fluid level to see if more was needed. It was full. A couple days late, it did it again. Now it does it about every third reverse shift. Also the service engine soon light came on. So, I checked the computer codes and they indicated a transmission problem. I got on the internet to see what had to be done to fix it. It turns out many Saturn owners are having the same problem with their transmissions. …
Without any warning, I got in my Saturn and started it and the "service engine soon" light went on. As I put it in reverse to put it in a parking space, there was no reverse movement, only reving engine. The dealer I took it to, told me this was a "known" problem (a nut gets loose and falls off, inside the transmission. I also needed a transmission service. I was suspecious at first but I was not close to home so I paid the $440.oo. Today I find that there are identical and nearly identical complaints and that this problem is known since apr 2000, one month after I purchased the vehicle new. This is so obvious a warranty situation and I want to be reimbursed with credit card interest !!!!!
I have a 2000 Saturn sl1 (auto trans). The oil galley plug come out of the back of the engine and broke my flywheel, torque converter, and the transmission. Saturn says it is not their fault and they will not pay for it to be fixed, but this plug can not be touch without taking the whole engine out and taking the engine apart. Know this now the last one to touch this plug is Saturn when they were putting the engine together now I have to pay for their mistake, now a plug that does nothing and can not be touch or a reason to be serviced, has caused $2200 of damage. Knowing all of this, why should I pay for their mistake. Is there anyway that you can help me. Call if you can or can't help please!
Tl contact owns a 2000 Saturn sl2. While attempting to shift gears at 10 MPH, the gears became stuck and could not shift into neutral. The failure nearly caused a crash. The dealer stated that a new transmission was needed; however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 00V310000 (power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start switch). The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 56,000. Updated 12/07/07
I am the third complaint with the same problem: intermittently, when placed in park or neutral or while driving, the vehicle will RPM 3,500-4,000. I have taken to dealer and private mechanics and no answer has been given. Nothing shows on diagnostic computer. When engine revs, I will place in park, turn car off, and start again. Sometimes this does the trick. This is very dangerous as vehicle will try to drive when waiting at a stop light and foot is on the brake. Please help.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Saturn sl2. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang. The vehicle shook and smoke appeared under the hood. There was a lot of fluid on the ground, and the vehicle had to be towed to the contact's residence. He found a hole in the transmission and called the dealer and manufacturer; however, they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 07/29/08 updated 08/01/08
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 quite interesting to try if it were someone else's car. This was first noticed about a year ago.
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 to happen. $2300 later to replace the transmission.
My 2000 Saturn sl1 has a problem which I feel is a manufacturer's defect. When put into reverse, the car either does not shift at all, or, hesitates then shifts unexpectedly, or shifts only when gas and brake are pressed at the same time. This is a very dangerous problem that is just an accident waiting to happen.
Dt- was on the internet wondered if there was a recall for Saturn sl2. There was, but it didn't include this vehicle due to VIN. When key is not in the ignition one can shift in any gear, and the vehicle will roll. It can be stolen if someone chose to push it onto a truck.
Related 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.
Transmission complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Saturn SL, 24% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Saturn SL transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-310 (park/neutral start interlock switch, Oct 12, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Saturn SL transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.