1999 Saturn SL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1999 Saturn SL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1999 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.
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 guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
Owner complaints
178 complaints26 involved a crash1 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
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. I noticed about a month ago while I would be driving, usually after about 1-2 miles after starting up the car and driving, my gears began…
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. I noticed about a month ago while I would be driving, usually after about 1-2 miles after starting up the car and driving, my gears began to slip. I kept up with just about monthly oil changes, accompanied by transmission fluid checked and topped off. My transmission oil has never been low. Then, about 4 days ago I went to leave from my work orientation, and I couldn?t back up my car from my parking spot, the reverse had went out. So I put the car back in drive, then back to reverse thinking maybe it didn?t go into reverse all the way and it did not work. I revved up the engine, nothing happening until I did it pretty hard, and eventually it started rolling back a little. I looked up on the internet to see if this was a pretty big issue or not, and I realize I see it a lot in 1999 saturns. A recall I believe would be the best option for fixing this issue and would further prevent people from spending so much money. I took my car to a mechanic and it?s currently sitting there now. I don?t know what they are going to tell me. I believe it could be a small part that just needs replaced, but i?m sure they?re going to just have me purchase a whole new transmission which IS not what I prefer to do as a 18 year old college student. Especially if the car was only 700$ that I purchased it for. *tr
- Unknown or other
I was driving my niece's and nephew was holding onto the bars in the ceiling and it came off the bars in the ceiling while I was driving my whole roof liner came off I couldn't see I had to pull the whole liner down so I wouldn't get in an accident I noticed after I got home the metal brackets that…
I was driving my niece's and nephew was holding onto the bars in the ceiling and it came off the bars in the ceiling while I was driving my whole roof liner came off I couldn't see I had to pull the whole liner down so I wouldn't get in an accident I noticed after I got home the metal brackets that the screws we're holding on was split I cannot fix them back I feel it's a safety hazard and we almost got in an accident it needs to be fixed I have little kids I take care of I feel it's a recall and needs to be fixed the brackets and the liner fell off I threw the liner away the vehicle was in motion I was coming from richmond va picked them up to come to my mom's house in king william va I was on interstate 95 I have more pictures than this ## vin passed ## 1999 saturn SL2 ##
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saturn SL. While driving at various speeds, the engine stalled without warning and restarted after ten minutes. The failure was persistent. The contact also stated that the ignition failed to release the key. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saturn SL. While driving at various speeds, the engine stalled without warning and restarted after ten minutes. The failure was persistent. The contact also stated that the ignition failed to release the key. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. updated 11/23/15*lj *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
The lock on the steering column IS too loose to be turned effectively only someone who has driven the car for a while knows how to get the key to turn so that the car can be started. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 saturn SL. The contact stated that the lost power and vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness lost connection with the instrument panel box. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 225,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition
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. As a result, the vehicle slid and crashed into another vehicle and rolled into a snow…
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. As a result, the vehicle slid and crashed into another vehicle and rolled into a snow embankment. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact driver sustained head injuries and the three passengers sustained minor injuries, which required medical attention. In addition, the key could be removed from the ignition when driving. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Air bags
While driving down the road the air bags spontaneously deployed. no known cause- possibly bad sensors. it broke my thumb and burned my arm. *tr
- Parking brake
Hand break button comes off preventing the hand brake from locking in place. *tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Hand brake release button and spring popped out after parking the vehicle. Had this happened while the vehicle was unattended and parked on a hill (as it typically IS), this car could have caused serious bodily harm or structural damage.
- Parking brake · Power train › Manual transmission
TL* the contact owns 1999 saturn SL1. the contact was driving 45 mph when the shift cable fractured and caused the vehicle to shift into neutral. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer made repairs to the vehicle. On a later date, the contact applied the emergency…
TL* the contact owns 1999 saturn SL1. the contact was driving 45 mph when the shift cable fractured and caused the vehicle to shift into neutral. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer made repairs to the vehicle. On a later date, the contact applied the emergency brake before exiting the vehicle. When he returned, the emergency brake had independently disengaged. The contact discovered that the emergency brake button was defective. The contact was able to order the necessary part from the dealer to make repairs himself. The contact was concerned that had he been parked on a hill, the vehicle could potentially have rolled away. The failure mileage was 103,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure
1999 saturn SL plastic grommet connection between shifter cable and shifter. Just broke. Apparently engineered with a mind for obsolescence rather than safety or durability. Enabling a high repair cost for a 50 cent bushing that should last the life of the entire shifter cable and shifter. Cheap…
1999 saturn SL plastic grommet connection between shifter cable and shifter. Just broke. Apparently engineered with a mind for obsolescence rather than safety or durability. Enabling a high repair cost for a 50 cent bushing that should last the life of the entire shifter cable and shifter. Cheap fix (time and part wise) for car manufacturer if still under warranty. Conveniently costly for owner when car IS not under warranty. *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have a 1999 saturn SL that I bought off a saturn employee two months ago; it was making a whining sound but she said that the sound was because it had a non standard part on it. the ignition locked up once or twice and now it will not crank nor start. I have checked the ignition switch, the…
I have a 1999 saturn SL that I bought off a saturn employee two months ago; it was making a whining sound but she said that the sound was because it had a non standard part on it. the ignition locked up once or twice and now it will not crank nor start. I have checked the ignition switch, the starter-solenoid and all wires and cables. I have also called saturn and was told that they had no idea what it could be and that there weren't any recalls on any of the parts above nor any that could possibly cause the car not to crank or start. they suggested that I bring it in. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I was stopped at a red light and when the light turned green I made a right turn and turned to close to the curb and bumped it and both airbags deployed. the dealer says it's not their responsibility to fix, that I should call my insurance company and make a claim. my insurance says that if I…
I was stopped at a red light and when the light turned green I made a right turn and turned to close to the curb and bumped it and both airbags deployed. the dealer says it's not their responsibility to fix, that I should call my insurance company and make a claim. my insurance says that if I make a claim I could be canceled since I have two prior claims that have been filed. all I did was catch the curb with the side of my front tire. the dealer says it will cost $2,100.00 to repair. the car IS a 1999 saturn SL and IS not worth that. even if I could file with my insurance they would total the car because it would cost more to repair than it IS worth. I bought the car 11/26/08 and have already had to put a new water pump in it and now this. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
There are pins holding together the differential in manual and standard transmissions. This pin gets worn out and falls out of place causing the differential gears to explode out of the bottom of the transmission causing chunks of metal to fall and hit the pavement leaving hazards on the road way…
There are pins holding together the differential in manual and standard transmissions. This pin gets worn out and falls out of place causing the differential gears to explode out of the bottom of the transmission causing chunks of metal to fall and hit the pavement leaving hazards on the road way and in the process causes total loss of control by locking up both front tires on the vehicle. I was a victim of this and almost struck a vehicle head on and in the process hit several obstacle before the vehicle cam to rest in a ditch. The vehicle IS now at aamco transmission in tulsa ok. All this information about the pins are coming from them. This happens in all 1999 saturn SL and SL2 vehicles with the standard and automatic transmissions. My vehicle IS the 1999 saturn SL2 with the SOHC 5 speed transmission. If you take a look at complaints there are many bearing the same problems. *Tr
- Tires
Michelin weatherwise II b. tires have poor wet surface braking performance. vehicle needs extra distance to stop when braking on wet roads. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic
I bought a used saturn on 8/23/08 from desert inn motors, too many problems after 3 months , new battery, brake bad, motor problem too expensive to repair, so I told them I'm not making anymore payments, they told me to bring the car back and they would replace the car, they repo my vehicle, shady business practices. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Within the past few months when I put the vehicle in reverse it jerks violently. This problem IS not consistent. I attempted to have it looked at by the dealer they said they couldn't replicate the problem. upon speaking to one of the associates at the dealer they said they think they know what…
Within the past few months when I put the vehicle in reverse it jerks violently. This problem IS not consistent. I attempted to have it looked at by the dealer they said they couldn't replicate the problem. upon speaking to one of the associates at the dealer they said they think they know what it IS ... Its a common problem but wait until the car does it regularly and it will cost approx $1200 to fix. this IS a known problem and saturn/gm needs to do a recall on these transmissions. *Tr
- Suspension
Saturn IS ripping people off by making them buy a $250 part just to get a $5 bushing. I think that something needs to be done where we get to decided what we replace. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Oil keeps collecting in the water reservoir seems to have developed the problem very suddenly took it to a garage and the head mechanic said this IS a common problem with saturns so I am wondering if this IS something of a design flaw that needs to be addressed,and the public needs to be informed about. Wonder if there IS a manufacturer fix for the problem? *tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
My manual transmission 1999 saturn SL2 1.8 ltr SOHC was driving down the road and the shifter went limp. I was almost hit from behind. I found it was the cheap plastic shifter bushing which attaches the shift cable to the stick. I don't have the money to buy the entire cable, saturn does not sell the bushing only, went to a junk yard and got the part for a dollar. *tr
- Electrical system › Horn
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saturn SL1. the contact stated that the horn assembly on the vehicle was completely inoperative. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v307000 (communications:horn assembly), although the failures were identical. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the current and failure mileages were 135,000.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saturn SL2. the contact stated that the passenger side rear brake light does not function properly. she has replaced the fuse and bolts several times, but the light continues to experience shortages. the contact felt that the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 saturn SL2. the contact stated that the passenger side rear brake light does not function properly. she has replaced the fuse and bolts several times, but the light continues to experience shortages. the contact felt that the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign number 05v245000 (exterior lighting: brake lights). the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage was 137,000 and failure mileage was 90,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Once my saturn SL as at least 2 others that I know of that own this same type of vehicle, hit 100K miles or just slightly over, the head gasket blows. I loved the car until this point and would have purchased another if this wasn't a common issue with saturns. *tr
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift · Tires
TL* - the contact owns a 1999 SL2 saturn. the contact stated that the front driver's side tire shredded and pulled out the injection circuit so fuel was not getting into the cylinder. the contact stated that the vehicle had been sitting for three years. also, the jack did not work. the failure and current mileage were both 95000.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
1999 saturn SL2 77,500 miles third time fuse box had to be replaced. all the power window motors had to be replaced. *jb
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.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 614008Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger seat back cover.
- 605959Vehicles built after and including wz150315 may exhibit a dome lamp that IS either inoperative, working intermittently, or flickers when turned on.
Every Saturn SL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.