1999 Saturn SL
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 131 |
| 1993 | 179 |
| 1994 | 303 |
| 1995 | 356 |
| 1996 | 287 |
| 1997 | 227 |
| 1998 | 168 |
| 1999 | 178 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 111 |
| 2002 | 131 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
FIRE18% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and fuses and circuit breakers.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO PREVENT FROM CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD DISOBEYED THE STOP SIGN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140711
Also filed under AIR BAGS
I JUST RECEIVED A 1999 SATURN SL 2 SERIES A YEAR AGO FROM MY MOTHER FOR MY VERY FIRST CAR. I GOT IT AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES AND IT IS NOW CURRENTLY AT 122,446.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200619
Also filed under ENGINE
11% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE SAFETY MANDATED AIR BAG LABEL ON THE HEAD REST OF THE CHILD CAR SEAT WAS PULLED OFF WHILE BY MY 10 MONTH OLD CHILD WHILE SHE WAS REAR FACING AND WE WERE DRIVING. I NOTICED SHE WAS CHOKING AND LOOKED BACK TO SEE SHE WAS BLUE AND NOT BREATHING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021122
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
Campaign 99V280000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1999 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V280000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Saturn SL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Saturn SL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saturn SL?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.