Shift cable linkage broke at shifter while shifting during acceleration ,momentary loss of control due to no power at wheels near miss of big rig. Had to drive on sidewalk-and lawn.
The worst 1992 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 belts29
- Engine24
- Brakes19
- Seats18
- Electrical16
- Transmission13
- Acceleration6
- Steering5
- Visibility4
- Wheels4
- Airbags3
- Suspension3
- Fuel system2
- Locks2
- Body1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1992 Saturn SL
Recalls 2
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
Power train
- What is wrong
- The transaxle valve assemblies were improperly machined. Vehicles may not properly engage in neutral or park, even though the gear selector indicates the vehicle is in neutral or park.
- Risk
- If the gear selector indicates the vehicle is in park orneutral, it could be in reverse or drive. If this happens, the car could startin reverse or drive, or might move unexpectedly, which may result in a vehiclecrash or injury to persons outside the vehicle, without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Replace the defective valve bodies.
Recall number 92V098000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1992 Saturn SL
Defect investigations
Fr seatback recliner fails
There is no summary currently available
EA93016
Steering system lockup
There is no summary currently available
PE93022
Seatback failure
There is no summary currently available
PE93004
Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Saturn SL 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1992 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 | 21-24 | 29-35 | 24-28 |
What 1992 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
We were driving on the highway going 70 MPH when the steering wheel came loose and fell off causing me to lose complete control of the car. We were in the far right lane of three lanes and the car pulled us across the other two lanes, down a very steep ditch and into the median where we hit many small trees. Before the accident, there was no evidence of any problem with the steering wheel, nor did we ever tamper with the steering wheel. The drivers side is getting the back door and panel replaced and the back bumper also needs to be replaced as well as the steering wheel. Nonetheless, my wife and I nearly lost our lives because of this failure.
1995 saturn sl2, incomplete deployment of passenger side front airbag in moderate frontal collision. *bf portions of the air bag fabric melted the internal componets of the module.
The back of the driver's seat failed and collapsed during a minor fender bender. *mr the seat collapsed. Due to poor inadequate welds.
Vehicle was parked about 20 minutes when it suddenly caught on fire. The fire department was called. The fire department determined it was an electrical fire.
Consumer was rear ended by another driver, the vehicles drivers seat back collapsed on to the rear bench seat. Consumer is very concerned with rear passengers being injured by seat back. Please provide any further information.
Consumer was rear ended and the driverside seat back collasped. The back of the seat slammed down so hard that if a passenger was sitting there there legs would have been crushed. "poor design", states consumer. Please provide any further information.
Consumer was at a stop when another vehicle rear ended her vehicle. The consumer stated the driver's seat back collapsed and when the seat reclined, the seat belt did not restrain her.
While driving steering linkage separated from vehicle. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle. Please provide further information.
Shifter cable end fastner broke rendering shifter inoperable.
Compare the 1992 Saturn SL
Other model years
Questions about the 1992 Saturn SL
Is the 1992 Saturn SL reliable?
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the 1992 Saturn SL, close to a typical SL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1992 Saturn SL?
Seat belts, with 29 complaints. Next is engine (24).
How many recalls does the 1992 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and power train.
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 1992 Saturn SL get?
Official estimates for the 1992 Saturn SL range from 24 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 29-35 highway.
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