MYRModel Year Report

2002 Saturn SL

● Typical for this model
2002 Saturn SL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:23.970Z

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, 2002 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 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints 2002
2002: 131 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 34%

34% of complaints: electrical system — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

GEAR SHIFT STARTED SMOKING THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2000-2003 SATURNS OF THE SAME MODEL. THE DEALER STATED THEY WEREN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRE AND WASN'T GOING TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. *PH *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20031112

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

A car hit me it the front passenger side the hood of my car bent up the passenger side of my windshield cracked and my car went spinning not one air bag came out

NHTSA ODI report, 20230704

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RT. 80, WHEN A CAR SWERVED INTO RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF ME FROM ENTRANCE RAMP. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 45 MILES AN HOUR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION, CAUSING LIFE ALTERING INJURY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170110

VEHICLE WAS IN A HIGH SPEED FRONTAL COLLISION BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030505

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

2002 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (44 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 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 ● 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Saturn SL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Saturn SL is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn SL?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 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.