Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When it rains, puddles of water form in the passenger side carpet. Water is not present anywhere else in the car. (this has occurred on several occasions.) also, upon several "attempts" at fixing the sunroof, it does not work. It does not retract.
Rear door latches do not always latch after closing rear doors (sl2-4 door sedan). Exterior door handles will stick in open position. If not noticed, doors will open when driving, usually when braking or making a turn. Rear seat passengers or items could be ejected from vehicle or doors could strike other vehicles.
This model of Saturn has a flexible rubber bumper. If the car is parked headed into a curb, the bumper has a tendency to cup over the front curb as the car settles into place. There is no warning to the driver when this has occured. Then, upon backing out of the parking space, the front bumper tears away from the car. This has happened to my car three times in twenty months and in three different parking lots, despite my efforts to avoid parking spaces that head into a curb. When it occurs the bumper dangles an inch or two below the front frame until it is reattached by the garage. The most recent time, I was driving the car home from the parking lot, when the bumper became tangled in the wheel of the car. I had to stop on a four lane highway to disengage the bumper and attempt to wedge it into a place where I could leave the road. …
1999 Saturn SL plastic grommet connection between shifter cable and shifter. Just broke. Apparently engineered with a mind for obsolescence rather than safety or durability. Enabling a high repair cost for a 50 cent bushing that should last the life of the entire shifter cable and shifter. Cheap fix (time and part wise) for car manufacturer if still under warranty. Conveniently costly for owner when car is not under warranty.
Consumer states that all doors and quarter panels are made of a polymer plastic. The doors are riveted underneath with polymer to metal. As a result, the doors are deteriorating and falling apart. The doors are constantly "stuck" closed due to the condition and forcing them to open is expediting the deterioration.
Spring that holds trunk open is too weak, most noticeable with factory installed spoiler. Has hit me in the head several times. Dealer sugested prop-rod to hold trunk open. Trunk will not stay open if parked on small incline or slight headwind. If a child was reaching into the truck, it could severly injure there back.
All the complaints that I have made are already listed on your list except the winshield fluid pump. When I took the car in regarding the rattling noise they couldn't hear so they told me too bring it in if it becomes more noticable.
On 13sep2008, at approximately 1400hrs I was operating my 1997 Saturn sl2 (manual) at low speed in my driveway; when the vehicle failed to engage in gear. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my shifting cable linkage had become disengaged (specifically the shifting rod and the plastic ball-joint cover). After attempting to locate the part via local auto part merchants I contacted a local Saturn dealership. I spoke to a member of the service department who informed me that the disengagement of the shifting rod assembly, and concurrent damage to the plastic ball-joint cover was a common problem. When asked how much it was to buy the plastic ball-joint cover the service employee informed me it would cost $195.00; because one has to buy the entire assembly and not just the plastic ball-joint cover. At this time the vehicle has yet to be repaired.
Related recalls (2)
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.
Structure › Body › Bumpers
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 581, "bumper standard." these vehicles were produced with rear bumper fasteners that May be loose or missing.
Remedy: Dealers will verify that the rear bumper beam fasteners are present and properly tightened and, if missing, install new fasteners.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn SL years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (13), 1996 (12), 1998 (9), 1995 (8) and 2000 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Saturn SL body problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 99V-297 (body, Oct 27, 1999); 99V-232 (bumpers, Aug 23, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn SL body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body › door (17 mentions), followed by the body (13).
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.