The brake pedal is always low and some times bottoms out when you first start driving the car. You can't stop. Record of complaint is on file with saturn, but they just blew me off because they check out the car, but said it was ok. I showed them that by pumping the breaks a few times that the pedal would bottom and breaking was lost. They duplicated it but refused to admit it was a problem. Now my sons are driving and I can't let them drive the car because they are not experienced enough drivers and if they every get into a panic stop situation they need to have extra room for gliding as the wheels won't lock up. I made saturn replace the master break cylinder and the problem became worse. I have the old master break cylinder.
The worst 1991 Saturn SL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts12
- Seats4
- Electrical3
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Airbags1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Saturn SL
Recalls 1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- The generator electrical wiring is not protected against excessive current flow which may be caused by an electrical short circuit in the generator.
- Risk
- Should an electrical short circuit occur in thegenerator, the generator wiring harness would experience excessive current flow.under certain conditions, enough heat could be generated to ignite surroundingmaterials. If this occurs, an underhood fire could result with or without theengine running and without prior warning.
- Remedy
- The generator wiring harness will be replaced with one that will open as a fuse would under certain excessive current flow conditions.
Recall number 93V132000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1991 Saturn SL
Defect investigations
Fr seatback recliner fails
There is no summary currently available
EA93016
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Saturn SL 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1991 Saturn SL fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-23 | 29-34 | 24-27 |
What 1991 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The brake pedal is always low and some times bottoms out when you first start driving the car. You can't stop. Record of complaint is on file with saturn, but they just blew me off because they check out the car, but said it was ok. I showed them that by pumping the breaks a few times that the pedal would bottom and breaking was lost. They duplicated it but refused to admit it was a problem. Now my sons are driving and I can't let them drive the car because they are not experienced enough drivers and if they every get into a panic stop situation they need to have extra room for gliding as the wheels won't lock up. I made saturn replace the master break cylinder and the problem became worse. I have the old master break cylinder.
Dt: contact states the vehicle is continuously shaking, affecting the steering. The solenoids have been replaced, 6 months later the problem recurred.
The passenger and driver passive restrain seat belt locks down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic informed the driver that seat belts needed to be replaced.
While driving at approximately 60 MPH the sunroof detached from the vehicle. Upon inspection the mounts were completely rusted through. At no time the sunroof has been immersed and the vehicle has never been to a roll over. I do not believe this to be a result of neglect on my part, rather poor quality materials used in manufacture.
Front passenger passive restraint belt is locked in forward position, leaving occupant unrestrained.
Drivers seatback broken and motorized shoulder belts bind in track and blow fuse.
Restraint system analysis was performed by chp-central division mait. The analysis indicated the restraint failed at the latch plate connection to the motorized guide plate. This report is being filed for the vehicle owner by the chp per our departmental policy.
Manual transmission gear shift arm suddenly was loose. Saturn of asutin reported shifter cable broke and replaced same. If break had occurred while moving it likely would have caused accident and injury.
Have had car serviced numerous times, engine always remained rough, car dies on us, has low uptake speed, mechanic said its a saturn engine defect, will eventually die altogether.
Compare the 1991 Saturn SL
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Questions about the 1991 Saturn SL
Is the 1991 Saturn SL reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1991 Saturn SL, fewer than a typical SL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Saturn SL?
Seat belts, with 12 complaints. Next is seats (4).
How many recalls does the 1991 Saturn SL have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
What year does the Saturn SL have the most seat belts problems?
The Saturn SL model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1994 (49 complaints), 1992 (29 complaints) and 1997 (25 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Saturn SL get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Saturn SL range from 24 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-23 city and 29-34 highway.
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