2002 Saturn SL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 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 2002 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
131 complaints20 involved a crash5 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
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
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
Ignition requires key jiggle in order to start. electrical issues such as constant shorts, major failure in supporting systems.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
I own a 2002 saturn SL vehicle purchased in 7/2016. I'm having problems starting my vehicle. Both starter and battery have both been checked out ok. All spark plugs were replaced on 10/31/18. After these repairs, when started it still made very noisy sounds coming from the engine. Now I can't get…
I own a 2002 saturn SL vehicle purchased in 7/2016. I'm having problems starting my vehicle. Both starter and battery have both been checked out ok. All spark plugs were replaced on 10/31/18. After these repairs, when started it still made very noisy sounds coming from the engine. Now I can't get it to start at all. I tried to get help about a recall relating to my vehicle's starting problems. I contacted saturn company 1(800)533-6000 and gm recall center 1(866)694-6546. Neither were willing to help. I found info on the kelley blue book website. I entered my vin number and following was displayed: nhtsa campaign ID: 03v231; report date: info unavailable; vehicles affected: 239,993; consequence: info unavailable; what you should do: dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module, spark plugs, and update the powertrain control module. When parts become available, owners will be advised to contact their dealers for appointments to have their vehicle repaired. Parts should be available during september 2003. Summary: on certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L L4 (L61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power, and the vehicle may be hard to start. Continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "service engine soon" light flashing, and may lead to secondary failures of the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and exhaust resonator. Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to a fire. **Can you please help me with finding out if this recall effected my vehicle?
- Seats
The vehicle was stopped, was involved in a 3 car collision. the vehicle was hit from behind by a 1985 cadillac fleetwood traveling at at least a moderate rate of speed. The vehicle was pushed into a 2002 audi (i believe it was) SUV. During the collision the drivers seat back failed and collapsed…
The vehicle was stopped, was involved in a 3 car collision. the vehicle was hit from behind by a 1985 cadillac fleetwood traveling at at least a moderate rate of speed. The vehicle was pushed into a 2002 audi (i believe it was) SUV. During the collision the drivers seat back failed and collapsed into the back seat. I believe it was the seat adjuster that failed. The driver sustained a concussion due to the collision and the seat failure. The vehicle was on a state road, and was stationary.
- Engine
Rpms go up to 5 and then drop to 0 - engine stalls and will start but will continue at high rpms and keep stalling. as I was traveling at 50 mph, the rpms went up to 5, and then quickly dropped to 0. the engine stalled and I coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle would start but when…
Rpms go up to 5 and then drop to 0 - engine stalls and will start but will continue at high rpms and keep stalling. as I was traveling at 50 mph, the rpms went up to 5, and then quickly dropped to 0. the engine stalled and I coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle would start but when reaching 35 mph, would do same thing (high rpms and then drop and stall). I had to keep sitting and re starting to get the remainder of 6 miles to my home. garage ran diagnostic and found nothing wrong. the car continues to do this at least 2 times per week, currently sitting in our garage because I am afraid to drive it and get stranded again. this occurs on city streets and highways.
- Structure › Body
After opening any door, the handles stick in the upright position, won't release and the door may not be properly secured.
- Electrical system
Ignition cylinder IS wore out, when putting in the key, you have to jiggle the key, sometimes takes up to 10 minutes for the key to turn and start. Sometimes it works fine. This IS an off and on problem. This month (sept 2017) it has been real bad. I am afraid to go anywhere, fearing I will be stranded.
- Air bags
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. Left temporal brain damage, post concussion syndrome and epilepsy, also other injuries to neck, shoulder and to lower back. *tr
- Unknown or other
The coolant system breaks frequently. the radiator breaks about every year. there also seems to be a sticking accelerator. if you have to accelerate very quickly. the car will idle abnormally high for weeks before returning to normal. The ignition key comes out without turning the vehicle off.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. After parking the vehicle and returning twenty minutes later, the ignition key would not turn and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed. The ignition switch was replaced on four separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 211,795. the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed. The ignition switch was replaced on four separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 211,795. the consumer stated the vehicle would stall each time. Updated 08/19/15*jb also, the starter was replaced. Updated 11/19/15.*jb
- Electrical system · Steering
This vehicle IS a death trap the vehicle shuts off while driving, can not start, whole steering column IS loose, key comes out during driving. ...updated 09/22/15 *bf
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. While driving approximately 55 mph, the key ejected from the ignition switch without warning. The vehicle continued to run in the on position without the key in the ignition switch. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
- Engine · Power train
Saturn IS an L200 series/there was only the LS on your list.numerous occasions of engine stall while traveling at all speeds. Called saturn/said vin not accepted? Live in florida keys/had to go to miami & get tail lamp fixed/only lasted two weeks (this was before engine stall) & call to saturn. am…
Saturn IS an L200 series/there was only the LS on your list.numerous occasions of engine stall while traveling at all speeds. Called saturn/said vin not accepted? Live in florida keys/had to go to miami & get tail lamp fixed/only lasted two weeks (this was before engine stall) & call to saturn. am 69YR old female/afraid to use car/paid for all sorts of repairs/modules/sensors???and more. No one in keys to repair via gm - saturn said miami only. Roundtrip over 200 miles. Afraid to drive/can't afford another car/must junk and, ofcourse, saturn said vin # not under recall for engine or electrical. IS there any way to recoup dollars I paid for any repairs on this car??? So much more than I am listing here......thank you nhtsa. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system
We have a saturn SL1 that has the exact same problem that the cars on the ignition recall list have. the key comes out in any position - the wheel locks up and we can't get it to unlock - we live in a rural area and our roads are very rough. we feel that the key may move from the run position…
We have a saturn SL1 that has the exact same problem that the cars on the ignition recall list have. the key comes out in any position - the wheel locks up and we can't get it to unlock - we live in a rural area and our roads are very rough. we feel that the key may move from the run position while we are driving the car and the engine will turn off and we will be in great danger. we have contacted gm and they said that since the car IS not on the recall list - there IS nothing they can do....we would appreciate it if you could investigate this situation. our car has been sitting in our driveway for 3 months, because we are afraid to drive it. thank you for your time -- awaiting your earliest response. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
Keys come out of ignition during use. *tr
- Service brakes
I recently purchased my saturn and replaced the brake pads and rotors it was fine then after 200 miles the brakes started grinding then would stop. Checked the calipers they were fine had to replace the rotors again due to the grinding brakes were fine. 2 weeks later same thing then stopped it starts and stops grinding when it wants. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. While coming out of a left turn at an unknown speed, the power steering failed. The steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch, over a levee, and crash into a pipe. Once the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. While coming out of a left turn at an unknown speed, the power steering failed. The steering wheel seized and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. The failure caused the contact to drive into a ditch, over a levee, and crash into a pipe. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the contact noticed the ignition key was on the floor. The air bags deployed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
- Steering
Spouse and I use car. the very first time the occurrence happened, was when parking car into driveway, I went to turn off car ignition and accidentally hit key ring, and the key fell out of the ignition, with the car in park, yet still running. on numerous occasions, while driving the car, the…
Spouse and I use car. the very first time the occurrence happened, was when parking car into driveway, I went to turn off car ignition and accidentally hit key ring, and the key fell out of the ignition, with the car in park, yet still running. on numerous occasions, while driving the car, the car IS still running and the key easily slips out of the ignition. also, on more than one occasion, when trying to unlock the steering wheel, the key will not turn while in the steering ignition. we would have to move the steering wheel many times while simultaneously turning the key many times to unlock the ignition. one day soon, it might not turn. yes, we know the advise IS to use only a single key, not one on a multi-key ring. however, we both have used other cars for many years, and never had such difficulty or frequency of problems as this situation. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. the contact stated that the key was removed while the vehicle was on. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000...updated 10/06/14 *bf
- Unknown or other
Key comes out freely while car IS in drive and key does not need to be in the ignition once car IS started. Engine will randomly stall. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 saturn SL. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing ignition failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14e021000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 82,500.
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have removed the key with the vehicle stopped and the car continues to run. the key falls out of the ignition switch. additionally, the key can be removed before being turned to the "off" position. this causes the key to be difficult to reinsert into the ignition. *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Engine
Ignition switch IS hard to impossible to turn on and once the car IS running the key will turn to the off position and with the key extracted from the lock the engine continues to run. *tr
- Electrical system
While car IS moving key comes out of ignition. *tr
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.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10233370This 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.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10212625This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10209980This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10200151This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200090This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10197294This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10193450This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10191191This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 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.
Every Saturn SL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.