Tl* the contact owned a 1993 saturn sl-2. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to coast the vehicle off to the right shoulder, but lost control and crashed into three poles. The air bags failed to deploy and ejected the contact through the front windshield. A police report was filed. The contact sustained broken ribs and a permanent head injury. The contact was in a coma on life support for three weeks. The vehicle was towed and the insurance company declared that it was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 10/05/17*lj *js
The worst 1993 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.
- Brakes36
- Engine31
- Transmission26
- Seats21
- Acceleration19
- Electrical18
- Seat belts14
- Airbags10
- Tires9
- Body7
- Visibility5
- Fuel system3
- Lights2
- Locks2
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1993 Saturn SL
Adaptive cruise 18Brake failure 14ABS 9No deployment 8Stalling 8Fire or smoke 5
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
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- The positive battery cable terminal at the starter solenoid may be formed incorrectly. Incorrectly formed terminals can contact the starter solenoid housing and cause an electric short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit between the battery cable andthe starter housing can result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Inspect and, if necessary, adjust the clearance between the positive battery cable terminal so that it does not contact the starter solenoid housing.
Recall number 93V094000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1993 Saturn SL
Defect investigations
Cruise control failures
This investigation documented hte functional aberations that have occurred in the performance of the subject cruise control system.most of the malfunctions involved failure of the system to properly regulate vehicle speed when engaged, failure of the system to engage, or self-disengagement of the system. These problems were investigated and steps taken by the manufacturer to remedy their occurrences.service procedures were issued for vehicles in use, and a design modification made for new vehicles.no confirmed allegations of failure of the system to disengage upon command were identified.improved quality control procedures and design modificationsin the system were undertaken to ensure a more consistent level of system performance.the details of these findings and the resulting conclusions are contained inthe subject engineering analysis closing report.a safety-related defect trend was not identified at ehis time and further use of agency resources does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
EA95003
Cruise control failure
There is no summary currently available
PE94079
Steering system lockup
There is no summary currently available
PE93022
Technical service bulletins for the 1993 Saturn SL 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1993 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 | 30-33 | 24-28 |
What 1993 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Key came out of ignition while going around corner, engine continued to run, everything else functioned normally. A locksmith cut a new key that is single sided, this does not fall out but also does not function on locks.
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 saturn sl. The contact stated that the electrical system failed. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 93v132000 (electrical system) but did not confirm if the vehicle was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 saturn sl. The contact stated that the passenger side windshield wiper separated from the arm. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact also stated that the driver's seat, horn, ignition, and windows also failed. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 172,727. Updated 09/15/14*lj updated 1/13/2014
While driving this vehicle, the motor would just stop and then would not start until it cooled off. Had to have it towed 6 times within 6 months. Have not been able to drive it since.
I have a temporary spare that has never been used & came with the car when I purchased it new. On november 21, 2006, I discovered my right front passenger side tire was plat & changed it, installing the emergency flat (which had never been used). I headed to the ntb tire store to purchase a new tire. After driving only 2 ,miles, the emergency tire exploded. I had to call aaa & be towed to the tire store. The tire that exploded: firestone tiempa spare t115/70r14 88m I had to buy a new tire. Now, I also have to buy a new rim + tire to serve as my spare. I feel that, although the car was old, the emergency spare, never used, was defective, and either gm (saturn) or firestone should be held liable for replacement. This unsafe tire should never have been installed as the original equipment spare. I have saved the tire for inspection by any party.
Dt*: the contact stated the front seat belts would not extract. The dealer determined both retractor modules need to be replaced.
Problems with the harmonic balancer having excessive run out causing improper serpentine belt alignment which created excessive belt wear. If problem is left unattended, serpentine belt/balancer can separate causing engine stall and loss of power steering which may cause accident. Contacted manufacturer but did not acknowledge a problem existed even though the balancer was redesigned. Balancer was replaced by the owner as a precautionary measure to prevent potential hazards. I also noticed several failure notices by other owners of this same brand/model of vehicle posted on the internet. Vehicle in question is a 1993 saturn sl2 sdn w/dohc 1.9l engine could not find the proper category to classify the vehicle I the next pages.
Driving on the highway with cruise control set at 65 MPH and cruise control just speed up about 10 MPH out of the blue. Causing the car to jerk and rpms to jump.
Any saturn key of or aroud the same year can unlosk other saturn doors.
Compare the 1993 Saturn SL
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Questions about the 1993 Saturn SL
Is the 1993 Saturn SL reliable?
Owners have filed 174 complaints about the 1993 Saturn SL, 1.3 times a typical SL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 Saturn SL?
Brakes, with 36 complaints. Next is engine (31).
How many recalls does the 1993 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system.
What year does the Saturn SL have bad brakes?
The Saturn SL model years with the most brakes complaints are 1995 (56 complaints), 1994 (45 complaints) and 1996 (43 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1993 Saturn SL get?
Official estimates for the 1993 Saturn SL range from 24 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 30-33 highway.
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