Saturn SL years to avoid
The Saturn SL years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1996 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1991 is the cleanest year on record.
2,891
Total complaints
16
Recall campaigns
1991–2002
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
SL years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 481 | |
| 1994 | High complaint rate | 376 | |
| 1996 | High complaint rate | 369 |
Every SL year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 154 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 137 | 3 | |
| 2000 | 202 | 8 | |
| 1999 | 232 | 2 | |
| 1998 | 222 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 286 | 3 | |
| 1996avoid | 369 | 2 | |
| 1995avoid | 481 | 3 | |
| 1994avoid | 376 | 1 | |
| 1993 | 228 | 2 | |
| 1992 | 173 | 2 | |
| 1991 | 31 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Saturn SL years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the SL years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1996. The cleanest year on record is 1991.
What is the best year for the Saturn SL?
By complaint volume, 1991 has the cleanest NHTSA record among SL years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Saturn SL have?
Across all model years, the SL has 16 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,891 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.