VehicleVerdict

1999 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Saturn SL sits mid-pack among SL years: 232 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 225, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 32 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (51), brakes (36), and transmission (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

232

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

35

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

32

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5122%
Brakes3616%
Electrical System2310%
Transmission2310%
Airbags209%
Seat Belts136%
Tires & Wheels136%
Seats83%
Suspension83%
Speed Control73%
Steering73%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Other52%
Fuel System42%
Lighting31%
Body & Structure31%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 1999 Saturn SL have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

99V280000Seat BeltsOctober 20, 1999 · 265,698 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY, I CAME TO A STOP AT THE END OF THE RAMP AT A RED LIGHT, THE AUTO STALLED, I TRIED TO RESTART IT WITHOUT SUCCESS, I THEN SAW BLACK SMOKE BILLOWING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BY THE THME THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 5, 2000 · fire

“WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES,THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CAR HEAD ON. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SEEKED MEDICAL ATTENTION THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 21, 2004 · crash

“THERE ARE PINS HOLDING TOGETHER THE DIFFERENTIAL IN MANUAL AND STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS. THIS PIN GETS WORN OUT AND FALLS OUT OF PLACE CAUSING THE DIFFERENTIAL GEARS TO EXPLODE OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING CHUNKS OF METAL TO FALL AND HIT THE PAVEMENT LEAVING HAZARDS ON THE ROAD WAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 28, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO PREVENT FROM CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD DISOBEYED THE STOP SIGN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ROLLED INTO A SNOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2012 · crash

“WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES,THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CAR HEAD ON. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SEEKED MEDICAL ATTENTION THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 21, 2004 · crash

1999 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 1999 Saturn SL reliable?

It is close to typical for the SL: 232 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1999 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (51 complaints), brakes (36 complaints), transmission (23 complaints).

Does the 1999 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.