1993 Saturn SL
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 131 |
| 1993 | 179 |
| 1994 | 303 |
| 1995 | 356 |
| 1996 | 287 |
| 1997 | 227 |
| 1998 | 168 |
| 1999 | 178 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 111 |
| 2002 | 131 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: service brakes — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB *TS
NHTSA ODI report, 20030225
VALVE TRAIN SEEMS TO FAIL AT ABOUT 95-160 THOUSAND MILES WITH UNKNOWN CAUSE. CALLED BOTH DEALER AND REPAIR SHOPS. BOTH SEEM TO SAY THE SAME. EITHER VALVE SEATS OR PISTON RINGS FAIL AT THESE POINTS OF MILAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021101
15% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
FIRE12% of complaints: seats — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140501
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VISIBILITY/WIPER
12% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and front underhood.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
OUR VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO VACATION ON HIGHWAY 95. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN. WE WERE APPROACHED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030715
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING SYSTEM LOCKUP
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
Campaign 93V094000 — check if this car was fixed
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
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V094000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V132000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Saturn SL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Saturn SL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Saturn SL?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.