VehicleVerdict

1998 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Saturn SL sits mid-pack among SL years: 222 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 224, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 32 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (34), engine (29), and brakes (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

222

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

32

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3415%
Engine2913%
Brakes219%
Electrical System209%
Visibility & Wipers178%
Seat Belts178%
Tires & Wheels146%
Body & Structure115%
Other105%
Airbags84%
Lighting84%
Speed Control73%
Seats73%
Fuel System63%
Steering63%
Suspension42%
Child Seat21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1998 Saturn SL have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WANDERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHEN DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-60MPH. LOUD BANGING NOISE OCCURS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. HIGH FREQUENCY WHINING FROM THE ENGINE THAT ADDS TO THE NOISE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HAS TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH POWER. DEALER/WESTERN REGION MFR. CONTACTED AND CANNOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 25, 1998 · crash

“CAR OVERHEATED WITH NO WARNING AND SMOKE SPILLED OUT OF FRONT. COOLANT BURST OUT OF CONTAINER AND FLOODED CAR AND GROUND. TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE SENSOR BROKEN AND WIRES REMOVED BUT COULD NOT OFFER ANY EXPLANATION. CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND HAS NOT BEEN TAMPERED WITH. THE ONLY PEOPLE WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 26, 2001

“I PARKED MY CAR, A 5-SPEED MANUAL, AND THE PARKING BRAKE RELEASE BUTTON POPPED OUT, AND IS NOW BROKEN SO I CANNOT USE THE PARKING BRAKE AT ALL. NOT SAFE CONSIDERING MY CAR IS A MANUAL. I AM ATTEMPTING TO LOCATE A REPLACEMENT BUTTON, BUT HAVE NOT HAD MUCH LUCK SO FAR. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 18, 2009

“I HAVE NOTED THE DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE IS EXPOSED TO UNUSUAL ACTIVITY OF RADIO FREQUENCIES (IN THE 120-140MHZ RANGE) AND THE ARE PULSING AND VARIABLE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER'S BODY. I AM CONCERNED WITH HEALTH EFFECTS ON CONTINUED EXPOSURES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 26, 2008

“MY BROTHER WAS KILLED JUNE 24, 2005, IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. HE WAS DRIVING A 1998 SATURN SL ON AN INTERSTATE IN MISSISSIPPI, THE SATURN WENT OUT OF CONTROL, HIS SEATBELT (WHICH HE ALWAYS WORE) AND HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE CAR. SINCE HIS DEATH, I'VE FOUND ON NHTSA'S SITE ALMOST 30 DIFFERENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 24, 2005 · crash

1998 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 1998 Saturn SL reliable?

It is close to typical for the SL: 222 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1998 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (34 complaints), engine (29 complaints), brakes (21 complaints).

Does the 1998 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Saturn SL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.