Saturn SL Problems by Year: Complaints and Recalls

Saturn SL years to avoid

No model year of the Saturn SL stands out with more than twice its typical number of complaints.

Not enough model years on the road yet to compare.

Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.

Year to avoidFewest complaintsOther years

All model years combined.

Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.

Year	Score	Complaints	Top problem	Typical mileage	Recalls	Crashes
2002	74	131	Electrical	60,000	0	20
2001	78	111	Electrical	64,000	2	14
2000	-	147	Engine	57,714	7	10
1999	-	178	Engine	64,000	1	26
1998	-	167	Transmission	66,500	0	23
1997	-	226	Engine	88,000	2	30
1996	-	285	Engine	95,000	1	50
1995	-	354	Engine	100,800	3	75
1994	-	286	Seat belts	120,000	1	51
1993	-	174	Brakes	120,000	2	24
1992	-	123	Seat belts	140,000	2	18
1991	-	29	Seat belts		1	2

What years of the Saturn SL should you avoid?

No single model year of the Saturn SL has more than twice its typical number of owner complaints.

What is the best year for a used Saturn SL?

There are not enough model years on the road yet to compare.

What is the most common problem with the Saturn SL?

Engine, with 417 complaints across all years, followed by brakes (317) and transmission (306).

How many recalls does the Saturn SL have?

15 recalls between 1991 and 2002. The 2000 model year has the most, with 7.

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.