MYRModel Year Report

1998 Saturn SL

● Typical for this model
1998 Saturn SL
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:52:52.654Z

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, 1998 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 1998 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints 2002
1998: 168 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199129
1992123
1993175
1994286
1995355
1996287
1997227
1998168
1999178
2000148
2001111
2002131

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 5%

5% of complaints: visibility — 9 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 5%

5% of complaints: tires — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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 CONF

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.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 1992 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1996 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

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:automatic transmission, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Saturn SL have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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