1995 Saturn SL: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 355 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (18% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 355 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Auto accident that occurred on 07/31/2015, the left front air bag deployed on its own causing injuries to the passenger in our vehicle. The vehicle was stationary and once the keys were taken out is when right front air bag was disployed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2015
“Installed microgard fuel filter on a 1995 saturn sl1 a month ago started smelling gas had it looked at and it was determined that the fuel filter hose developed a small hole. The hole is in the black plastic, this pipe attaches to the aluminum pipe, by the test valve. I t rubs on the egr valve? (this filter has the hose attached to it, all one unit.) this leak could have resulted in a massive fire because it above the exhaust system, and is a high pressure hose. I bought a new one another micro gard and put a thicker hose around the black pipe. I still have the original. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Mar 2014
“After a pop noise during negotiating a curve the steering wheel suddenly appeared tilted even while going straight while driving. Car was steered with increased loss of control for a few seconds and moved to curb. Steering was unusable thereafter and car was towed for repairs. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl1. The contact stated that the front driver seat began to recline abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 99v045000 (seats). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 200,000. Updated 06/03/11 *bf updated 09/19/11”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl sedan. The contact stated that the recliner on the front driver side seat would become loose and the contact lost support in the back while sitting. The contact was able to adjust seat but the failure recurred constantly. The contact stated the failure also occurred when attempting to exit the vehicle. The contact had to adjust seat every time he entered the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection or repairs. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 99v045000 (seats), but the VIN was not included. The current mileage was 125,000. The failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2011
“Tl*the contact's father owns a 1995 saturn sl2. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle and attempting to remove the key, the key would not go back to the lock position. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1995 saturn sl2. While changing lanes at 10 mph, the contact's vehicle was rear ended and caused her to crash into a pole. Upon impact, the driver's seat retracted backwards towards the floor. The contact sustained severe injuries to her back, neck, and shoulders. The vehicle was completely destroyed. She has all the documents pertaining to the failure, and a copy of the police report. The manufacturer denied all responsibility because her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 99v045000 (seats). The failure and current mileages were 107,000.”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2008
“Driving my 1995 saturn sl1 at 65mph, my right front tire immediately went flat. I was able to guide the car to the shoulder in less than 200 yards and change the tire. The local shop said the valve stem was "dry rotted" and so they replaced it. Visual inspection of the other tire valve stems shows cracks. The tires were installed at wal mart in summer 2007. *tr”Owner report · Tires · May 2008
“1 incident and 1 crash. Left emergency brake on by accident when driving and went to apply brake to slow down, but had no brakes. Could not stop..no accident first time it happened. But 2nd time caused multiple car accident w/an injury. After I stopped driving, the brakes began working again. I had my brakes checked but they did not need replaced. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
“Emergency brake button broke; button ejected when using parking brake, preventing e-brake from being used. Button and spring assembly came out, with button having two small plastic chips that were broken, preventing reassembly. This effectively prevented the vehicle's standard emergency equipment (parking brake) from being used. No replacement button was available.*ak”Owner report · Parking Brake · Apr 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 75 of these complaints and injuries in 57 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED CAUSING THE SHAFT TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING ASSEMBLY.
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."
Remedy: CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
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 1995 Saturn SL reliable?
NHTSA has 355 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Saturn SL. The most complained-about area is seats (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Saturn SL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 100,400 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Saturn SL have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion). 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.