MYRModel Year Report

1992 Saturn SL

● Typical for this model
1992 Saturn SL
RENDERED 2026-09-16T03:55:08.046Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn SL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1992 highlighted. 1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1992 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1995: 356 complaints 1995 1996: 287 complaints 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints 2002
1992: 131 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199129
1992131
1993179
1994303
1995356
1996287
1997227
1998168
1999178
2000148
2001111
2002131

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEAT BELTS 22%

22% of complaints: seat belts — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030428

Also filed under SEATS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

SERVICE BRAKES 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20040407

SEATS 15%

15% of complaints: seats — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FAILED/RECLINED BACKWARD DURING IMPACT OF ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY.

NHTSA ODI report, 19941115

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19920619 — power train

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.

Campaign 92V098000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19930205 — PE (closed 19930608)

SEATBACK FAILURE

I 19930405 — PE (closed 19930930)

STEERING SYSTEM LOCKUP

I 19930608 — EA (closed 19940726)

FR SEATBACK RECLINER FAILS

R 19930806 — electrical system

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.

Campaign 93V132000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1992 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 92V098000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93V132000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 2002 ● 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1992 Saturn SL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Saturn SL is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Saturn SL?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1992 Saturn SL have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.