VehicleVerdict

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

YearWhyComplaints
1995High complaint rate481
1994High complaint rate376
1996High complaint rate369

Every SL year

YearComplaintsRecalls
20021541
20011373
20002028
19992322
19982221
19972863
1996avoid3692
1995avoid4813
1994avoid3761
19932282
19921732
1991311

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 June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.