1998 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 222 complaints about the 1998 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 15.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 12.6%.
Complaints222
Crashes26
Fires2
Injuries32
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Power train 15.3% · 34
Engine and engine cooling 12.6% · 28
Electrical system 8.1% · 18
Seat belts 7.7% · 17
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.7% · 17
Visibility 7.7% · 17
Tires 5.9% · 13
Structure 5.0% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 26 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 32 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 1998 sits 7th by complaint volume. 1995 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 8 in the last three years against 6 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 66,000 miles.
In owners' own words
1998 Saturn with 49,000 miles needed the whole transmission to be rebuilt. The valve bodies are kept in stock at Saturn of route 23 because this is such a common problem with Saturn. The car had been properly maintained, trans service at 25,500 miles. Saturn will take no responsibility in the cost of repairs. I've noted that Saturn is on several webb sites with transmission failures documented. Power train · reported at 49,000 miles
Caution: Saturn automatic transmision may be dangerous if it hesitates and clunks into gear or downshifts inappropriately. Saturn's computer diagnostic system may not detect dangerous transmission control condition. Saturn corp. Policy on paying dealer for diagnostic work for warranty items may discourage dealer from further investigating possibly dangerous conditions. Power train
While driving about 30 mph consumer heard a noise, stopped after increasing speed. Shortly after, consumer noticed smoke from under hood. Parked vehicle,and next morning there was transmission fluid under vehicle, towed to dealer, who found a differential pin had come loose in transmission, and caused a hole in transmission. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Saturn SL years
1995 481 complaints · 15.6% engine and engine cooling 1996 369 complaints · 19.0% engine and engine cooling 1997 286 complaints · 14.3% engine and engine cooling 1999 232 complaints · 21.1% engine and engine cooling 2000 202 complaints · 17.8% engine and engine cooling 2001 137 complaints · 22.6% electrical system