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2000 Saturn SL problems

The most common problem on the 2000 Saturn SL is engine and cooling, typically around 73,568 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical SL model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
147
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
184
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26-29mpg

The worst 2000 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 2000 Saturn SL

Engine failure 9Transmission failure 7Stalling 6Grinding brakes 5Check engine light 5Harsh shifting 5Tire blowout 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2000 Saturn SL mention

P0300 2P0732 2P1599 2

Recalls 7

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported October 12, 2000 · 6,092 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.
Risk
Fuel spillage could occur during refueling or if the vehicle were involved in a rollover. If an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.

Recall number 00V309000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switchReported October 12, 2000 · 65,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles were built with an improperly adjusted automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly. If improperly adjusted, it is possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed.
Risk
This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
Remedy
Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted. If owners are not comfortable performing the functional check themselves, they can have their dealer perform this inspection for them.

Recall number 00V310000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported October 27, 1999 · 7,505 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a console armrest fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." the armrests were produced with a latch that will not withstand the vertical force requirements of the standard.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the latch may open and the armrest or the contents of the console could injure an occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the console armrest latch.

Recall number 99V297000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported October 20, 1999 · 265,698 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.

Recall number 99V280000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation componentsReported August 24, 1999 · 5,373 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." these vehicles were produced with brake pipe attachment nuts that may not be tightened to specifications.
Risk
If the brake pipe nuts are not properly tightened, brake fluid leakage could occur, increasing the brake's stopping distance.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake pipe nuts for leakage, verify they are tightened to specifications, and replace the brake pipes if needed.

Recall number 99V231000 · Recall details

Unknown or otherReported August 23, 1999 · 2,692 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were manufactured with welds in the instrument panel carrier assembly that do not meet saturn quality standards.
Risk
A front seat occupant, particularly an unbelted occupant, may have an increased risk of injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the vehicle's instrument panel carrier assembly.

Recall number 99V230000 · Recall details

Structure: body: bumpersReported August 23, 1999 · 1,592 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 581, "bumper standard." these vehicles were produced with rear bumper fasteners that may be loose or missing.
Risk
If the fasteners are loose or missing, the rear bumper may not absorb energy as it was designed to do in the event of a rear end collision.
Remedy
Dealers will verify that the rear bumper beam fasteners are present and properly tightened and, if missing, install new fasteners.

Recall number 99V232000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2000 Saturn SL

Technical service bulletins for the 2000 Saturn SL 184

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

See all 184 bulletins for the 2000 Saturn SL

2000 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‑cylFWD22-2532-3626-29

What 2000 Saturn SL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 13, 2018 · Airbags, Wheels · 120,000 miles · CA · crash · 3 injuries

Hit mountain head on and car rolled and air bags did not deploy. Rear tire and drum broke off car while doing 50 mile per hour

Filed Jun 18, 2016 · Brakes · ME

There is no issue with my brake light bulb it is not burnt out. All the fuses have been checked over by qualified salesperson who had shown me that my that my brake light was still working, and yet my brake light does not work. I am afraid of driving at night, and worry constantly that I will be stopped during the day, as I don't have any explanation as to why this one driver's side brake light does not work. I read somewhere on a saturn forum that there had been a recall over this issue, but I am unable to locate.

Filed Dec 5, 2014 · Engine · 150,000 miles · PA

The timing chain went out and needs replaced. The engine cranks but will not turn over. Our mechanic told us we're looking at a $1000 plus repair.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Electrical · IA

Soon after purchasing the vehicle we started having problems with the ignition switch. Sometimes it was very difficult to even start the car as the switch would be frozen in place. After some play with the steering wheel it would work. Then there were times you could not turn the vehicle off without several attempts. We tried to take the car to a mechanic to see if it could be fixed but the problem continued. Now the key has to be left in at all times, you can't remove it at all. This is a safety concern with all the recalls regarding the ignition in these vehicles. Not to mention a personal concern that the vehicle could be easily stolen with a visible key in the switch.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · MD

I turned my car into a parking lot, and the engine suddenly just quit working. After several minutes I was able to restart the car, it also happened again while I was stopped at a red light, and again when I made a left turn into another park lot,all on the same day in less than 1 1/2 hours total time. I have had this problem repeatedly over the last about seven years. I was told when I first had trouble with the ignition housing coming loose, not to put any other keys on the key ring, and I only have the car key on the chain. I have had the ignition changed twice, and this may be the third time, on the last time I was told there were pieces of metal in the ignition that probably caused the problem. My concern is what if this had happened on the beltway instead of the street, or while I was driving (which it did,but the street was empty) instead of stopped.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Fuel system · PA

Car will turn over and immediately stall. This will continue for approx. 10 to 15 min.each time you turn the key,it will turn over and immediately stall. As if there is no gas going to the fuel injectors; or the fuel injectors stop . No mechanic can seem to find the problem since it never happens when I'm at the repair shop. Like I said when this problem happens, it will last for approx. 10 to 15 min. Then the car will start as if nothing ever happened.

Filed Sep 12, 2014 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · NJ

Roll pin on retainer in transmission differential sheered off causing the retaining pin to wear through the bell housing and seize transmission. A roll pin is like using a rivet to hold a very important mechanical component together. This is another horrible gm design. This is an accident waiting to happen. $2300 later to replace the transmission.

Filed Sep 12, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 96,000 miles · NJ

Key falls out of ignition while driving! This needs to be recalled with all of the other gm vehicles. This is a danger and someone is going to get seriously injured! Step up gm and fix the cost cutting corners you cut and put your customers at risk!

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn sl. The contact stated that while traveling at unknown speeds, the key could be removed and the vehicle would continue to operate as normal. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire ignition system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Transmission · 44,500 miles · WI

Just wanting to let you know that when the car is moving or still, I can move the shift from d to n without having to press the button to unlock the shifter. Same can be said from n to r. I've never tried it when it's moving, but when the car is stopped, I can push it from d to r. That would be quite interesting to try if it were someone else's car. This was first noticed about a year ago.

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Questions about the 2000 Saturn SL

Is the 2000 Saturn SL reliable?

Owners have filed 147 complaints about the 2000 Saturn SL, close to a typical SL model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Saturn SL?

Engine and cooling, with 36 complaints, typically around 73,568 miles. Next is transmission (35).

How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn SL have?

7 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, power train and structure.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Saturn SL get?

Official estimates for the 2000 Saturn SL range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-25 city and 32-36 highway.

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