1992 Saturn SL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 123 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (22% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Shift cable linkage broke at shifter while shifting during acceleration ,momentary loss of control due to no power at wheels near miss of big rig. Had to drive on sidewalk-and lawn. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2008
“We were driving on the highway going 70 mph when the steering wheel came loose and fell off causing me to lose complete control of the car. We were in the far right lane of three lanes and the car pulled us across the other two lanes, down a very steep ditch and into the median where we hit many small trees. Before the accident, there was no evidence of any problem with the steering wheel, nor did we ever tamper with the steering wheel. The drivers side is getting the back door and panel replaced and the back bumper also needs to be replaced as well as the steering wheel. Nonetheless, my wife and I nearly lost our lives because of this failure. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2006
“1995 saturn sl2, incomplete deployment of passenger side front airbag in moderate frontal collision. *bf portions of the air bag fabric melted the internal componets of the module. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“The back of the driver's seat failed and collapsed during a minor fender bender. *mr the seat collapsed. Due to poor inadequate welds. *sc”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2004
“Vehicle was parked about 20 minutes when it suddenly caught on fire. The fire department was called. The fire department determined it was an electrical fire. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“Consumer was rear ended and the driverside seat back collasped. The back of the seat slammed down so hard that if a passenger was sitting there there legs would have been crushed. "poor design", states consumer. Please provide any further information.”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2003
“Engine would accelerate when brakes were applied. The vehicle was diagnosed as it being the brake booster diaphram that is worn and leaking. The booster vacuum hose check valve grommet is torn. *jg *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2002
“Frame of driver's seatback broke during normal driving. This was a break through the steel u-channel on the left side of the seat just below where it is welded to the tubular steel top piece. This component should never fail even under the stress of a rear end collision let alone during normal driving. Defect could have led to an accident and if it occured during a rear end collision an unecessary injury would likely have resulted.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2002
“Seat belt on drivers side is not able to lock into buckle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak stitching on seat belt on drivers side came apart. *yd”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2001
“Seat belt retractor gets in open position close to windshield. Problem is intermittent at this time, but was repaired 1 year ago, costing $800. Computer controls dome lights/ chimes/ locks and seat belt. Saturn hasn't heard of this before. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 25 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE TRANSAXLE VALVE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MACHINED. VEHICLES MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK.
Remedy: REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.
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
Check your exact SL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Saturn SL reliable?
NHTSA has 123 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Saturn SL. The most complained-about area is seat belts (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Saturn SL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 140,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Saturn SL have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train. 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.