1991 Saturn SL: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1993

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest SL years (#12 of 12 by complaints, age-adjusted)1 fire report

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 29 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Seat Belts12 complaints

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3 complaints

Seats3 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)2 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints

“Dt: contact states the vehicle is continuously shaking, affecting the steering. The solenoids have been replaced, 6 months later the problem recurred. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2005

“The passenger and driver passive restrain seat belt locks down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic informed the driver that seat belts needed to be replaced. *la”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2004

“While driving at approximately 60 mph the sunroof detached from the vehicle. Upon inspection the mounts were completely rusted through. At no time the sunroof has been immersed and the vehicle has never been to a roll over. I do not believe this to be a result of neglect on my part, rather poor quality materials used in manufacture. *la”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2003

Show 7 more owner reports

“Manual transmission gear shift arm suddenly was loose. Saturn of asutin reported shifter cable broke and replaced same. If break had occurred while moving it likely would have caused accident and injury.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2000

“Restraint system analysis was performed by chp-central division mait. The analysis indicated the restraint failed at the latch plate connection to the motorized guide plate. This report is being filed for the vehicle owner by the chp per our departmental policy. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2000

“Have had car serviced numerous times, engine always remained rough, car dies on us, has low uptake speed, mechanic said its a saturn engine defect, will eventually die altogether. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2000

“I inquired the service department at saturn of monrovia (monrovia,ca, 91016) if they were aware of the aforementioned problems. They denied any knowledge of any problems associated with electrical wiring under the hood. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1999

“While driving vehicle 60 mph on the freeway vehicle started accelerating by itself. Driver stepped on the brakes to stop. But vehicle did not stop, and driving over curves without stopping, she finally stopped it by pulling the ignition key on a mall parking lot. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 1998

“While coming to a stop the right front wheel four lug: nuts broke off, causing the wheel to fall off. Please provide details. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 1997

“Vehicle involved in a rear end crash going about (20-25) mph and the air bag did not deploy. Also the shoulder harness did not lock. Vehicle is being repaired. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 1997

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR93V132000 · Aug 1993

THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

How other years compare

1991 (this page)29 complaints · 1 recalls 1992123 complaints · 2 recalls 1993175 complaints · 2 recalls

Check your exact SL by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 Saturn SL reliable?

NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Saturn SL. The most complained-about area is seat belts.

Does the 1991 Saturn SL have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.