VehicleVerdict

2002 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2002 Saturn SL is among the quieter years of the SL on NHTSA's books: 154 complaints (32% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 44 reports (29% of the total).

154

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4429%
Transmission2214%
Engine2214%
Brakes106%
Seats96%
Airbags96%
Steering85%
Lighting53%
Tires & Wheels53%
Other43%
Fuel System43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Body & Structure32%
Suspension32%
Speed Control11%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2002 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.

“THE STARTER MOTOR ENERGIZED WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION OR ANYONE IN/NEAR THE CAR. IT WAS IN GEAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, AND IT RAN OVER A 12 INCH "STOP" AND INTO A FREEZER WHERE IT CONTINUED TO RUN FOR SOMETIME UNTIL IT BURNED UP. THE FREEZER PREVENTED IT FROM GOING THROUGH THE GARAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 21, 2009 · crash

“GEAR SHIFT STARTED SMOKING THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE.*MR THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2000-2003 SATURNS OF THE SAME MODEL. THE DEALER STATED THEY WEREN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRE AND WASN'T GOING TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. *PH *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 2, 2003 · fire

“MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING 3 OTHER VEHICLES. THE MOTOR OF THE 2002 SATURN SL1 IN WHICH HE WAS DRIVING STALLED AS HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY ONTO A SERVICE ROAD. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLED,HE DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO STEER OR STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, HE STRUCK 2 VEHICLES THAT WERE STOPPED AT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 26, 2007 · crash

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AS SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. IT HAD RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ABOUT $600 WORTH OF DAMAGES OCCURRED NOT INCLUDING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 10, 2002 · crash

“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RT. 80, WHEN A CAR SWERVED INTO RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF ME FROM ENTRANCE RAMP. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 45 MILES AN HOUR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION, CAUSING LIFE ALTERING INJURY. LEFT TEMPORAL BRAIN DAMAGE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND EPILEPSY, ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 29, 2014 · crash

2002 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 2002 Saturn SL reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 154 NHTSA complaints, below the typical SL year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2002 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (44 complaints), engine (22 complaints), transmission (22 complaints).

Does the 2002 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 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.