MYRModel Year Report

1998 Saturn SL

● Typical for this model
1998 Saturn SL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:26:39.573Z

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: 131 complaints 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1995: 356 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
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%

20% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED, POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TS *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20021115

VISIBILITY 10%

10% of complaints: visibility — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

SEAT BELTS 10%

10% of complaints: seat belts — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage and retractor.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

NO SUMMARY. DT

NHTSA ODI report, 20021205

SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN PASSENGER DURING AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 19981020

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 (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 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 ● 2002 ● 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1996

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, 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.