1998 Saturn SL transmission problems
The 1998 Saturn SL has 34 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
34
Transmission complaints
15%
Share of year
4
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 1998 Saturn SL have?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the 1998 Saturn SL transmission — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.