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1995 Saturn SL problems

The most common problem on the 1995 Saturn SL is engine and cooling, typically around 65,000 miles. It has 2.7 times the complaints of a typical SL model year.

Typical year2.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
354
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
25-28mpg

The worst 1995 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1995 Saturn SL

No deployment 19Brake failure 14Stalling 13Engine failure 10Oil consumption 10Adaptive cruise 9Power steering loss 9Overheating 8Knocking 6Premature wear 6Fire or smoke 5

Recalls 3

SeatsReported March 12, 1999 · 138,691 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
Risk
If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.

Recall number 99V045000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)Reported November 8, 1994 · 20,518 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly was improperly adjusted making it possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed, or remove the ignition key with the shift lever in a position other than "park." this does not meet the requirements of fmvss 114, "theft protection."
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: unintended vehicle movement can occur which could result in an accident.
Remedy
Consumers are being asked to inspect the park lock cable. If it does not perform correctly, dealers will make the necessary adjustments.

Recall number 94V217000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Reported September 14, 1994 · 931 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The steering gear pinion shaft was improperly heat treated causing the shaft to fracture during vehicle operation.
Risk
Fracture of the steering gear pinion shaft causes complete loss of steering control which can result in an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the manual steering assembly.

Recall number 94V170000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1995 Saturn SL

Defect investigations

Front seat back can recline or collapseOpened February 16, 2000, closed August 19, 2000

RQ00005

Cruise control failuresOpened February 24, 1995, closed May 31, 1996

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 failureOpened November 7, 1994, closed February 24, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE94079

Technical service bulletins for the 1995 Saturn SL 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1995 Saturn SL fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD21-2431-3625-28

What 1995 Saturn SL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 31, 2016 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

Auto accident that occurred on 07/31/2015, the left front air bag deployed on its own causing injuries to the passenger in our vehicle. The vehicle was stationary and once the keys were taken out is when right front air bag was disployed.

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

Installed microgard fuel filter on a 1995 saturn sl1 a month ago started smelling gas had it looked at and it was determined that the fuel filter hose developed a small hole. The hole is in the black plastic, this pipe attaches to the aluminum pipe, by the test valve. I t rubs on the egr valve? (this filter has the hose attached to it, all one unit.) this leak could have resulted in a massive fire because it above the exhaust system, and is a high pressure hose. I bought a new one another micro gard and put a thicker hose around the black pipe. I still have the original.

Filed Aug 15, 2012 · Steering · 103,000 miles · WA

After a pop noise during negotiating a curve the steering wheel suddenly appeared tilted even while going straight while driving. Car was steered with increased loss of control for a few seconds and moved to curb. Steering was unusable thereafter and car was towed for repairs.

Filed Jun 21, 2012 · Seats · 110,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl sedan. The contact stated that the recliner on the front driver side seat would become loose and the contact lost support in the back while sitting. The contact was able to adjust seat but the failure recurred constantly. The contact stated the failure also occurred when attempting to exit the vehicle. The contact had to adjust seat every time he entered the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection or repairs. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 99v045000 (seats), but the VIN was not included. The current mileage was 125,000. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Apr 30, 2012 · Seats · 78,600 miles · WI

My wife was on the way home from picking up our kids from school and the drivers seat reclining back gave way reclining the seat back all the way. I looked up a previous recall saturn had for the yr, make, and model however either due to either age or VIN # series from what I had found online the dealer will not honor the warranty. I also contacted a young lady with gm customer assistance who also could not find any information on the recall even though I read off the recall numbers found on the federal safety agency's website. Dealer wants me to come in for a diagnostic however will not let me know of a price? This could have been a very severe incident as both my children were also in the car at the time of the incident which luckily she was able to keep control of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 26, 2011 · Tires, Wheels · 208,000 miles · NC

My complaint is with a dayton quadra se tire, size p175/70r14 the tire is 2 years old with 20,000 miles and has never been plugged or patched. It has never been flat or low on air pressure. On sept 1 2011 while driving down interstate 40 near the forsyth-davie county line in north carolina a piece of the tire's tread separated from the core of the tire similar to the way recapped tires do. The separated piece is still attached to the tire at one point but threw enough rubber off that it actually knocked a hole in the saturn's left rear quarter panel. A crack nearly 5 inches long. I believe this was similar issue to the firestone tires separating and being blamed for SUV accidents 10 years or so ago. The tire caused no personal injury but I did lose control due to the pounding caused by the loose rubber. The tire never lost air pressure.

Filed Apr 14, 2011 · Seats · 200,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl1. The contact stated that the front driver seat began to recline abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v045000 (seats). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 200,000. Updated 06/03/11 *bf updated 09/19/11

Filed Sep 4, 2008 · Tires · AZ

Driving my 1995 saturn sl1 at 65mph, my right front tire immediately went flat. I was able to guide the car to the shoulder in less than 200 yards and change the tire. The local shop said the valve stem was "dry rotted" and so they replaced it. Visual inspection of the other tire valve stems shows cracks. The tires were installed at wal mart in summer 2007.

Filed Aug 15, 2008 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact's father owns a 1995 saturn sl2. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle and attempting to remove the key, the key would not go back to the lock position. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2008 · Seats · 100,000 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl1. While approaching a stop sign, the contact's vehicle was rear ended and caused her to crash into a pole. Upon impact, the driver's seat retracted backwards towards the floor. The contact sustained severe injuries to her back, neck, and shoulders. The vehicle was completely destroyed. She has all the documents pertaining to the failure, and a copy of the police report. The manufacturer denied all responsibility because her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v045000 (seats). The speed was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.

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Questions about the 1995 Saturn SL

Is the 1995 Saturn SL reliable?

Owners have filed 354 complaints about the 1995 Saturn SL, 2.7 times a typical SL model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Saturn SL?

Engine and cooling, with 68 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is seats (68).

How many recalls does the 1995 Saturn SL have?

3 recalls, covering seats, power train and steering.

What year does the Saturn SL have bad engine?

The Saturn SL model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (68 complaints), 1996 (63 complaints) and 1999 (47 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1995 Saturn SL get?

Official estimates for the 1995 Saturn SL range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 31-36 highway.

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