1995 Saturn SL transmission problems

40 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 67,500. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 40
of this car's complaints: 11%
typical mileage: 67,500
crashes: 2
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Automatic transmission
18
Manual transmission
10
Clutch assembly
3
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
2
Manual transmission: floor shift assembly
1
Axle assembly
1
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
1
Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Saturn SL transmission problems in other years

Related recalls

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

What 1995 Saturn SL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 1, 2006 · Transmission · 172,171 miles · TX

1995 saturn sl2 manual transmission shifter cable bushing failure while backing out of driveway, pushed in clutch to shift from reverse to first gear and heard a "pop". Transmission went into some gear (not first), engine stalled and gear shift lever was loose and floppy. Coasted around corner and parked next to curb. Repair not yet made. Disassembled center console to expose shifter mechanism and found bushing on lower shift cable had failed and was in 3 pieces. Contacted dealership for availability and price of bushing and was told bushing was integral to cable and entire cable must be replaced. Cost of parts $197.10 plus tax. Will probably end up drilling through the ball and bolting the cable to the shift lever although this may fatigue shifter cable and ultimately require cable replacement. Had this happened on the highway or in traffic instead of a residential street, the result could have been catastrophic.

Filed Dec 17, 2004 · Transmission · 67,500 miles · NY

Having a hard time getting car into gear, especially from park to drive. Finally, the service engine light went on. Took to a car service center where they connected to a diagnostic machine that resulted in a bad transmission that needs to be replaced. Car has a little over 67,500 miles. The car is a 1995 saturn sl1.

Filed Aug 18, 2004 · Transmission · 100,800 miles · NY

There was oil in the transmission fluid. When the engine warmed up it would leak fluid in the driveway. Mechanic determined that the transmission cylinder cracked.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Transmission · NH

Transmission down shifts from high to 3rd or low. Causing high RPM at highway speed. Sometimes requires you to pull off the road and restart the engine to regain normal shift sequence. Problem has persisted for more than a year. Saturn service reps say they can not duplicate and there is no problem. Not true. Number of failures below represents year long period.

Filed Dec 5, 2003 · Transmission · NY

This is the same as complaint #855328, having to do with the neutral/ park switch on the automatic transmission I also can move shift lever with car off and no foot on the break.

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · IL

While driving vehicle smoked and leaked transmission fluid. A technician serviced the vehicle, and indicated that transmission case cracked.

Filed Jul 5, 2002 · Transmission · IL

While driving the transmission pump failed.

Filed Dec 10, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · FL

While driving 60 MPH vehicle lost all gears. Dealer determined linkage between shifter and cable to clutch had broken and needed to be replaced.

Filed Sep 25, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The poorly screwed transmission filter contributed to premature failure of the transmission.

Filed Jun 1, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission drops into second gear from both third and high at various speeds, causing high engine rpms and rapid speed reduction and handling difficulties controlling the vehicle when it happens on curves. Service notified numerous times, but could not find cause.

Questions about the 1995 Saturn SL transmission

Does the 1995 Saturn SL have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the transmission of the 1995 Saturn SL, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1995 Saturn SL transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 67,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1995 Saturn SL transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 94V217000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saturn SL have bad transmission?

The Saturn SL model years with the most transmission complaints are 1995 (40 complaints), 1996 (37 complaints) and 1994 (35 complaints).