1998 Saturn SL: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 168 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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! *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2014
“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. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2013
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2012
“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 NHTSA 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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2010
“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. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2010
“I parked my car, a 5-speed manual, and the parking brake release button popped out, and is now broken so I cannot use the parking brake at all. Not safe considering my car is a manual. I am attempting to locate a replacement button, but have not had much luck so far. *tr”Owner report · Parking Brake · Apr 2009
“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.. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Feb 2009
“When pressing brake and coming to a stop, the car accelerates and pushes forward. You are forced to brake harder and difficult to stop. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2008
“I have noted the driver of this vehicle is exposed to unusual activity of radio frequencies (in the 120-140mhz range) and the are pulsing and variable electromagnetic fields in the area of the driver's body. I am concerned with health effects on continued exposures. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 23 of these complaints and injuries in 29 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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 1998 Saturn SL reliable?
NHTSA has 168 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Saturn SL. The most complained-about area is power train (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Saturn SL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,500 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Saturn SL have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.