MYRModel Year Report

1995 Saturn SL

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1995 Saturn SL
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints 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, 1995 highlighted. 1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 123 complaints 1993: 175 complaints 1993 1994: 286 complaints 1995: 355 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
1995: 355 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199129
1992123
1993175
1994286
1995355
1996287
1997227
1998168
1999178
2000148
2001111
2002131

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEATS 11%

11% of complaints: seats — 38 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

BELOW ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTER I WROTE TO SATURN. THEY BASICALLY BLEW ME OFF: PRESIDENT AND CEO SATURN CORPORATION ON JULY 5, 2000, I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A LATE MODEL FORD MUSTANG WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN MY 1995 SATURN SL-1.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031103

AFTER REAREND IMPACT DRIVER SEAT BACK BROKE AND COLLAPSED, DEALER SAID SEAT IS DESIGN THAT WAY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950215

MY WIFE WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM PICKING UP OUR KIDS FROM SCHOOL AND THE DRIVERS SEAT RECLINING BACK GAVE WAY RECLINING THE SEAT BACK ALL THE WAY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120430

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 33 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SEATS 9%

9% of complaints: seats — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120621

AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19940824 — steering

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.

Campaign 94V170000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19941027 — power train

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 L

Remedy: CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.

Campaign 94V217000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19941107 — PE (closed 19950224)

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE

▮ 1995 — complaint volume: 355
I 19950224 — EA (closed 19960531)

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES

R 19990313 — seats

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 AP

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.

Campaign 99V045000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20000216 — RQ (closed 20000819)

FRONT SEAT BACK CAN RECLINE OR COLLAPSE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1995 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seats issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 94V170000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94V217000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V045000 (seats) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 1992 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

◆ 1996 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1995 Saturn SL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1995 Saturn SL is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1995 Saturn SL?

The most-reported component is seats:front assembly:recliner, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1995 Saturn SL have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.