1998 Saturn SL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1998 Saturn SL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Saturn SL. Newest first.
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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Owner complaints
168 complaints23 involved a crash2 involved a fire31 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
Coolant around the spark plug nearest the transmission, engine oil IS visible in coolant tank. Internet search revealed a cracked head due to factory defect in head casting. Gm did not issue a recall! *tr
- Air bags
I was driving a person ran a stop sign and I hit the vehicle head on the airbag blew up in my face sounded like a bomb I had burns on my face head hands and fore arms my ribs were bruised and some contusions in back and knees. *tr
- Electrical system
When turning off the car, the key gets stuck in the ignition switch between the run and off positions. When stuck the key cannot be turned or removed. The car cannot be started nor can the key be removed. *tr
- Unknown or other
Vehicle stalled for unknown reason. No check-engine light went on, so the mechanic could not check codes. *tr
- Structure › Body
Exiting freeway lost control of the car and crashed vehicle. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL, equipped with summit sienpre 6 tires, size 185/65/r15. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver and passenger tires had developed large bubbles in them. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL, equipped with summit sienpre 6 tires, size 185/65/r15. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver and passenger tires had developed large bubbles in them. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tires were not replaced. The failure and current mileages on the tire were approximately 30,000. The failure and current mileages on the vehicle were approximately 125,000.
- Air bags
I was a passenger in the 1998 saturn SL1, while approaching an intersection "two cars behind the lead car about to go through intersection" the driver in the on-coming lane decide last minute to make a left hand turn at the intersection in front of the lead car in are lane. Which caused a chain…
I was a passenger in the 1998 saturn SL1, while approaching an intersection "two cars behind the lead car about to go through intersection" the driver in the on-coming lane decide last minute to make a left hand turn at the intersection in front of the lead car in are lane. Which caused a chain reaction of accidents. While the 1998 saturn SL was indeed the last car to hit the "pile up" upon impact I exhaled and tried to relax my body for impact "like I observed on discovery's myth busters" after impact as I was asking my friend "driver" if she was ok. the air bag deployed late! ... If this will happen to me a 300pd grown man ID hate to see the out come if a person not of my mass had this happen to them. I feel as if they would have gone through the windshield... Life threatening injury's would of most certainly occurred. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL2 sedan. While driving approximately 45 mph, the entire instrument panel and exterior lights began to flicker abnormally. the contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The contact reference nhtsa campaign ID number: 09e012000 (exterior…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL2 sedan. While driving approximately 45 mph, the entire instrument panel and exterior lights began to flicker abnormally. the contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The contact reference nhtsa campaign ID number: 09e012000 (exterior lighting) but his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the vehicle was repaired yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting further inspection of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
- Tires
My firestone compact spare tire for a 1998 saturn SL2, which has never been used, shows tread separation. the rubber IS splitting apart in the tread area and the belts are showing through. this also happened to a previous firestone compact spare I owned for a saturn. the tire IS size t115/70r14…
My firestone compact spare tire for a 1998 saturn SL2, which has never been used, shows tread separation. the rubber IS splitting apart in the tread area and the belts are showing through. this also happened to a previous firestone compact spare I owned for a saturn. the tire IS size t115/70r14 and the serial number IS hym7h5a377. the tire IS admittedly old, but the extent of damage IS alarming considering the tire has not been used. It has been impossible to find a new replacement- tire dealers say to get a replacement from a junk yard, but they would have the same problem. a full size spare will not fit in the trunk's tire well. *Tr
- Fuel system, other
My 1998 saturn SL2 has had a (hot engine) fast idle (2000 rpm) condition on and off for years.. I have taken it to the saturn dealer,, then to a gm dealer three times all to no avail.. Various sensors have been replaced and the condition persists.. I have spent near $1000. In labor costs, sensors ect and still I have the problem.. *tr
- Parking brake
I parked my car, a 5-speed manual, and the parking brake release button popped out, and IS now broken so I cannot use the parking brake at all. Not safe considering my car IS a manual. I am attempting to locate a replacement button, but have not had much luck so far. *Tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL1. the vehicle has goodyear assurance tires, size p185/70/r14. while driving approximately 65 mph, the rear passenger side tire blew out without warning. within one year, six identical tires in various locations failed without warning. the contact took the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL1. the vehicle has goodyear assurance tires, size p185/70/r14. while driving approximately 65 mph, the rear passenger side tire blew out without warning. within one year, six identical tires in various locations failed without warning. the contact took the tires to the dealer and had the first set replaced. shortly after the replacement, the tires failed. the manufacturer did not assist and the technician could not identify the cause of the failure. the contact has possession of the failed tires. the failure and current mileages were 10,000. Updated 03/09/09. *Lj updated 03/11/09. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
When pressing brake and coming to a stop, the car accelerates and pushes forward. you are forced to brake harder and difficult to stop. *Tr
- Electrical system › Wiring · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
I have noted the driver of this vehicle IS exposed to unusual activity of radio frequencies (in the 120-140mhz range) and the are pulsing and variable electromagnetic fields in the area of the driver's body. I am concerned with health effects on continued exposures. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1998 saturn SL2 muffler broke off and hit another vehicle while driving 65 mph. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0070-91. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 saturn SL2. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and shut off. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. the failure occurs when the vehicle has traveled long distances. the dealer IS unable to diagnose the cause of failure. the current mileage IS 181,000 and failure mileage was 40,000. the vin was unavailable.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated the coolant level indicator light illuminated. when the coolant was checked, the coolant level was low and thickened. on further investigation, coolant had been found mixed into the oil due to the gasket breaking down from contact with the coolant. the oil mixed with the…
Dt*: the contact stated the coolant level indicator light illuminated. when the coolant was checked, the coolant level was low and thickened. on further investigation, coolant had been found mixed into the oil due to the gasket breaking down from contact with the coolant. the oil mixed with the coolant caused sludge build up in the engine. the contact notified the service dealer who recommended flushing the radiator. the manufacturer was notified.
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
During a rear end collision the back of the driver's seat released to full recline position. Leaving me which more severe injuries than I should have sustained. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated the frontal airbags failed to deploy when the vehicle's front end impacted the rear of another while traveling 35 mph on a dry blacktop surface. a police report and photos were taken after the vehicle was towed away. One injury was sustained in the accident. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified. updated 10/4/2006 - *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Gas leaking. Running low on gas after fill up. Had car looked at and there are holes in the gas line, running from the engine to gas tank. Fuel line IS apparently IS plastic and IS deteriorating. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Cruise control will not disengage by depressing brake, using the off switch, or depressing the clutch. also, when this occurs, the speed slowly but steadily increases. the only way to correct the problem IS to turn off the ignition, or press the brake until the car stops and the engine dies. *nm
- Tires
My new husband and I had just driven over 300 miles the night before on the interstate to our honeymoon destination. the next afternoon, we were traveling on a divided four lane at approximately 50 mph when a tire blew. the tires were relatively new and had little wear. the gentleman at the tire…
My new husband and I had just driven over 300 miles the night before on the interstate to our honeymoon destination. the next afternoon, we were traveling on a divided four lane at approximately 50 mph when a tire blew. the tires were relatively new and had little wear. the gentleman at the tire dealership showed us where the tire had just "ruptured" on its on. the tire was made by firestone and was an affinity label. I replaced the damaged tire and the opposite tire on the front (my car IS front wheel drive). the remaining two tires on the rear look just like the front tires did, and the salesman recommended we have them checked as well and also recommended they be replaced asap. I have heard of other individuals who have had problems with this same tire (after I made my purchase) and was worried. I feel these tires should be recalled by firestone asap because they are unsafe. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front
My brother was killed june 24, 2005, in a single car accident. He was driving a 1998 saturn SL on an interstate in mississippi, the saturn went out of control, his seatbelt (which he always wore) and he was ejected from the car. since his death, I've found on nhtsa's site almost 30 different…
My brother was killed june 24, 2005, in a single car accident. He was driving a 1998 saturn SL on an interstate in mississippi, the saturn went out of control, his seatbelt (which he always wore) and he was ejected from the car. since his death, I've found on nhtsa's site almost 30 different complaints from 1998 saturn sly owners describing serious failures of that cars stability, brakes, steering, and air bags---all of which resulted in the car going out of control. fortunately, the drivers in the 30 complaints I've found all stated that the injuries were not fatal. my brother and our family are not so fortunate. the 1998 saturn sl's failures killed my brother. all of these failures were reported to nhtsa years ago, so his death could have been avoided. nhtsa and the saturn company owe me and my family some answers. and nhtsa and saturn must act now before more people are killed by this fatal car.*jb
- Seat belts › Front
1998 saturn SL seat belts are defective.***no answer required***. *Mr the drivers seat belt would unlatch while the consumer was driving. *jb
- Seat belts › Front
Frequently when the front seat belts are buckled they appear to be secured, but are not and come undone. this IS the onlu car I have ever driven that you are not locked into your seat belt when you think you are.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10233369This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-up.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 631244General motors vehicles and trucks: subject regarding, 2002 and prior passenger cars and trucks, chemical damage to exterior polycarbonate headlamp lenses. *Slc updated updated 3/30/11. Headlamp lens overheating when covered and chemical damage to exterior polycarbonate headlamp lenses. Can cause crazing or cracking of headlamp lens. Updated 6/24/11. Updated 5/14/12. Including 2013 model year.
- 614008Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger seat back cover.
- 609711Front fender chips paint of fascia at forward tip. Yd
- 605959Vehicles built after and including wz150315 may exhibit a dome lamp that IS either inoperative, working intermittently, or flickers when turned on.
- 600228Experiencing a rattle or click noise from the rear of vehicle when turning at slow speeds and/or driving over uneven surfaces.
Every Saturn SL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.