MYRModel Year Report

1995 Saturn SL

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1995 Saturn SL
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
356
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1995

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

21% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1995: 356 complaints 1995 356 1996: 287 complaints 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints
1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1992 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1994 1995: 356 complaints 1995 356 1996: 287 complaints 1996 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1998 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2000 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints 2002
1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1992 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1994 1995: 356 complaints 1995 356 1996: 287 complaints 1996 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1998 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2000 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints 2002

1995: 356 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.

Engine and engine cooling

21% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer heard a knocking then a bang noise from the engine. This occurred while going up an incline at 30 MPH. The noise was followed by smoke. The consumer then pulled off the road and within seconds the engine was in flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-12

Service brakes

20% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Seats

20% · 70 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2003-11-03

After rearend impact driver seat back broke and collapsed, dealer said seat is design that way. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-15

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, 2012-06-21

Power train

12% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

10% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion) and rack and pinion.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1994-08-24Steering94V170000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1994-10-27Power train94V217000 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…

    Remedy: Consumers are being asked to inspect the park lock cable. If it does not perform correctly, dealers will make the necessary adjustments.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1994-11-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-02-24 Cruise control failure
  4. ▮
    1995Complaint volume 356 complaints filed for this model year.
  5. I
    1995-02-24Engineering analysisClosed 1996-05-31 Cruise control failures
  6. R
    1999-03-13Seats99V045000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2000-02-16Recall queryClosed 2000-08-19 Front seat back can recline or collapse

Buy-smart checklist

1995 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 73 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 71 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 70 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 94V170000 · Steering
  • Recall 94V217000 · Power train
  • Recall 99V045000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 Saturn SL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-06 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.