MYRModel Year Report

1998 Saturn SL

● Typical for this model
1998 Saturn SL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:38.201Z

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
168
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

20% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

1998: 168 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.

Power train

20% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Electrical system

11% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing horn and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle caught fire while parked, possible electrical problems. Ts

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-15

Visibility

10% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

Seat belts

10% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing anchorage and retractor.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

No summary. Dt

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-05

Seat belt failed to restrain passenger during an accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 28 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Saturn SL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Saturn SL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Saturn SL?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Saturn SL have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.