VehicleVerdict

2000 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2000 Saturn SL is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 8 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 202 owner complaints run below the SL median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (38), transmission (36), and electrical system (30), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

202

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

14

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 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, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3819%
Transmission3618%
Electrical System3015%
Brakes168%
Tires & Wheels157%
Steering115%
Suspension73%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Lighting73%
Other73%
Speed Control63%
Body & Structure63%
Airbags52%
Fuel System52%
Seats42%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%

Does the 2000 Saturn SL have recalls?

8 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.

00V309000Fuel SystemOctober 12, 2000 · 6,092 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.

00V310000TransmissionOctober 12, 2000 · 65,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.

Remedy

SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.

99V297000Body & StructureOctober 27, 1999 · 7,505 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE LATCH MAY OPEN AND THE ARMREST OR THE CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLE COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE ARMREST LATCH.

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.

99V231000BrakesAugust 24, 1999 · 5,373 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PIPE ATTACHMENT NUTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence

IF THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE BRAKE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS FOR LEAKAGE, VERIFY THEY ARE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPES IF NEEDED.

99V232000Body & StructureAugust 23, 1999 · 1,592 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 581, "BUMPER STANDARD." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR BUMPER FASTENERS THAT MAY BE LOOSE OR MISSING.

Consequence

IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE OR MISSING, THE REAR BUMPER MAY NOT ABSORB ENERGY AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE REAR BUMPER BEAM FASTENERS ARE PRESENT AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND, IF MISSING, INSTALL NEW FASTENERS.

99V230000OtherAugust 23, 1999 · 2,692 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN QUALITY STANDARDS.

Consequence

A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT, PARTICULARLY AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT, MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION CASING HAD A BAD LEAK WIRING HARNESS FROM IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILIES LIFE AT RISK RATTLES REAL BAD IN REAR PORTION OF CAR HEATER QUIT WORKING”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 15, 2003 · fire

“HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION CASING HAD A BAD LEAK WIRING HARNESS FROM IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILIES LIFE AT RISK RATTLES REAL BAD IN REAR PORTION OF CAR HEATER QUIT WORKING”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2003 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN SL1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OR RELEASE OUT OF THE IGNITION. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD STAY ON WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 4, 2001

“THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40-50 MPH COMING OFF A RAMP, SHE HIT THE BRAKES AND WHEN SHE RELEASED THEM, THEY LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE AUTO WAS TAKEN TO THE SHOP BY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 10, 2003 · fire

“HIT MOUNTAIN HEAD ON AND CAR ROLLED AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. REAR TIRE AND DRUM BROKE OFF CAR WHILE DOING 50 MILE PER HOUR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 14, 2018 · crash

2000 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 2000 Saturn SL reliable?

It is close to typical for the SL: 202 NHTSA complaints, 8 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2000 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (38 complaints), transmission (36 complaints), electrical system (30 complaints).

Does the 2000 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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.