1993 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 228 complaints about the 1993 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 15.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 15.4%.
Complaints228
Crashes31
Fires8
Injuries21
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 15.4% · 35
Service brakes, hydraulic 15.4% · 35
Power train 12.3% · 28
Seats 9.2% · 21
Electrical system 9.2% · 21
Vehicle speed control 8.3% · 19
Seat belts 7.0% · 16
Air bags 4.4% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 31 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 21 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 1993 sits 6th by complaint volume. 1995 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 10 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 62,500 miles.
In owners' own words
My biggest problems is with the stalling of the car in the middle of traffic. I have almost been in one accident and there has been alot of times at which this car has stalled. This vehicle is very dangerous to me and my 4 year old boy and the place at which I am still paying for this car as not been cooperative in fixing this problem which was brought to there attention from day one. Anna cole. Engine and engine cooling
The alternator belt broke four times since ownership. On one occasion, the consumer was driving at 50 mph and the belt broke, which caused the power steering to become inoperative, and almost resulting in an accident. Dealer and the manufacturer have been informed of the problem.*Ak the serpentine belt fell off while driving, dealer replaced. *Ts Engine and engine cooling · reported at 29,000 miles
Engine block has split near the location of alternator ,causing it to be lose and cut into the belt. The block busted upon starting the vehicle. Transmission has a problem when shifting, and Saturn has told me they can't find anything odd about it. Nor is there anything odd about the engine overheating during barely warm days in the summer. Possibly connected. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…