Coolant around the spark plug nearest the transmission, engine oil is visible in coolant tank. Internet search revealed a cracked head due to factory defect in head casting. Gm did not issue a recall!
The worst 1998 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.
- Transmission32
- Engine28
- Brakes20
- Seat belts17
- Visibility17
- Electrical16
- Tires12
- Body9
- Airbags8
- Acceleration7
- Lights7
- Seats7
- Fuel system6
- Steering4
- Suspension4
- Locks1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Saturn SL
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Saturn SL 17
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case,...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- General motors vehicles and trucks: subject regarding, 2002 and prior passenger cars and trucks, chemical...
- Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger...
1998 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 | 31-36 | 25-28 |
What 1998 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I was driving a person ran a stop sign and I hit the vehicle head on the airbag blew up in my face sounded like a bomb I had burns on my face head hands and fore arms my ribs were bruised and some contusions in back and knees.
When turning off the car, the key gets stuck in the ignition switch between the run and off positions. When stuck the key cannot be turned or removed. The car cannot be started nor can the key be removed.
Vehicle stalled for unknown reason. No check-engine light went on, so the mechanic could not check codes.
Exiting freeway lost control of the car and crashed vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 saturn sl, equipped with summit sienpre 6 tires, size 185/65/r15. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver and passenger tires had developed large bubbles in them. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tires were not replaced. The failure and current mileages on the tire were approximately 30,000. The failure and current mileages on the vehicle were approximately 125,000.
I was a passenger in the 1998 saturn sl1, while approaching an intersection "two cars behind the lead car about to go through intersection" the driver in the on-coming lane decide last minute to make a left hand turn at the intersection in front of the lead car in are lane. Which caused a chain reaction of accidents. While the 1998 saturn sl was indeed the last car to hit the "pile up" upon impact I exhaled and tried to relax my body for impact "like I observed on discovery's myth busters" after impact as I was asking my friend "driver" if she was ok. The air bag deployed late! ... If this will happen to me a 300pd grown man id hate to see the out come if a person not of my mass had this happen to them. I feel as if they would have gone through the windshield... Life threatening injury's would of most certainly occurred.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 saturn sl2 sedan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the entire instrument panel and exterior lights began to flicker abnormally. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The contact reference the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09e012000 (exterior lighting) but his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the vehicle was repaired yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting further inspection of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
My firestone compact spare tire for a 1998 saturn sl2, which has never been used, shows tread separation. The rubber is splitting apart in the tread area and the belts are showing through. This also happened to a previous firestone compact spare I owned for a saturn. The tire is size t115/70r14 and the serial number is hym7h5a377. The tire is admittedly old, but the extent of damage is alarming considering the tire has not been used. It has been impossible to find a new replacement- tire dealers say to get a replacement from a junk yard, but they would have the same problem. A full size spare will not fit in the trunk's tire well.
My 1998 saturn sl2 has had a (hot engine) fast idle (2000 RPM) condition on and off for years.. I have taken it to the saturn dealer,, then to a gm dealer three times all to no avail.. Various sensors have been replaced and the condition persists.. I have spent near $1000. In labor costs, sensors ect and still I have the problem..
Compare the 1998 Saturn SL
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Questions about the 1998 Saturn SL
Is the 1998 Saturn SL reliable?
Owners have filed 167 complaints about the 1998 Saturn SL, 1.3 times a typical SL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Saturn SL?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 32 complaints, typically around 61,007 miles. Next is engine (28).
How many recalls does the 1998 Saturn SL have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Saturn SL get?
Official estimates for the 1998 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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