1995 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 481 complaints about the 1995 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 15.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 15%.
Complaints481
Crashes104
Fires7
Injuries72
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 15.6% · 75
Service brakes, hydraulic 15.0% · 72
Seats 15.0% · 72
Power train 8.7% · 42
Steering 7.7% · 37
Air bags 7.5% · 36
Electrical system 6.0% · 29
Vehicle speed control 5.2% · 25
Severity
Of those complaints, 104 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 72 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 1995 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 97,000 miles.
In owners' own words
: The contact stated while driving various speeds, the engine temperature gauge elevated without warning. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed the oil and antifreeze were mixed together. The vehicle was seen by a dealer who determined there was a fractured engine head. After replacement of the head, the problem persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop to await further inspection. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 168,000 miles
I purchased a 1995 Saturn sedan sl1 with 32,000 mile. At 54,000 miles, the car started experiencing problems with water and oil mixing. I contacted Saturn corporation about the problem they told me that they had a service bulletin out on the car. They stated that the car was over the years but under the miles for this recall. I contacted steve at Saturn corp. And he gave me this confirmation number (1-2120506). Engine and engine cooling · reported at 54,908 miles
The vehicle has developed a smoke emmision from the tail pipe due to oil leakage in the engine becasue of a defective ring on a piston in the no.1 Cylinder. The vehicle has been examined by several local mechanics but no one wants to take on such a big responsibility. It was advised that a replacement engine was the only remedy. Consumer feels Saturn should resole this at no cost to consumer. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…