VehicleVerdict

1992 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1992 Saturn SL sits mid-pack among SL years: 173 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 225, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 34 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (31), engine (28), and brakes (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

173

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

34

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted481 complaints1991: 31 complaints1992: 173 complaints1993: 228 complaints1994: 376 complaints1995: 481 complaints1996: 369 complaints1997: 286 complaints1998: 222 complaints1999: 232 complaints2000: 202 complaints2001: 137 complaints2002: 154 complaints
SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts3118%
Engine2816%
Brakes2514%
Electrical System2112%
Seats1810%
Transmission138%
Speed Control63%
Tires & Wheels53%
Steering53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Suspension32%
Other32%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)32%
Airbags32%
Latches & Locks21%
Fuel System21%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 1992 Saturn SL have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

93V132000Electrical SystemAugust 10, 1993 · 352,833 units

Defect

THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Consequence

SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

92V098000TransmissionJuly 8, 1992 · 633 units

Defect

THE TRANSAXLE VALVE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MACHINED. VEHICLES MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK.

Consequence

IF THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK ORNEUTRAL, IT COULD BE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR COULD STARTIN REVERSE OR DRIVE, OR MIGHT MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH OR INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · crash

“PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM ON PASSENGER SIDE FAILED WITHOUT TRAUMA, ENGINE MOUNT FAILED CAUSING STEERING DIFFICULTY AND LOUD NOISE, GAS GAUGE BEGAN BOUNCING RANDOMLY, O-RINGS IN A/C FAILED TWICE, DESPITE RETROFIT, A/C AGAIN INOPERATIVE DUE TO "O-RINGS" WATER PUMP LEAKED AT 40,000 MILES, BATTERY DEAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 18, 1997

“ABS BRAKE FAILURE, EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP IMPACT 12:00 SPEED 30 MPH. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 13, 1995 · crash

“THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT AND THE WIRING HARNESS TO MELT. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · crash

“CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · crash

1992 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 1992 Saturn SL reliable?

It is close to typical for the SL: 173 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1992 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (31 complaints), engine (28 complaints), brakes (25 complaints).

Does the 1992 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Saturn SL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Saturn SL under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saturn SL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SL years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1996. The cleanest record among SL years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.