1999 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 232 complaints about the 1999 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 21.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 12.9%.
Complaints232
Crashes35
Fires1
Injuries32
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 21.1% · 49
Service brakes, hydraulic 12.9% · 30
Power train 9.9% · 23
Electrical system 9.9% · 23
Air bags 8.6% · 20
Seat belts 5.6% · 13
Tires 5.2% · 12
Seats 3.4% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 35 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 32 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 1999 sits 5th by complaint volume. 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 76,000 miles.
In owners' own words
: The contact stated the vehicle used up a large amount of radiator fluid. There were no visible leaks on the driveway, however the reservoir had to be refilled every 3 days. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where, upon inspection, there was moisture around the top of the radiator tank, and it was determined that the radiator tank had leaked from the top. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 96,000 miles
Oil keeps collecting in the water reservoir seems to have developed the problem very suddenly took it to a garage and the head mechanic said this is a common problem with saturns so I am wondering if this is something of a design flaw that needs to be addressed,and the public needs to be informed about. Wonder if there is a manufacturer fix for the problem? Engine and engine cooling · reported at 115,000 miles
While exiting the freeway, I came to a stop at the end of the ramp at a red light, the auto stalled, I tried to restart it without success, I then saw black smoke billowing from the engine compartment, by the thme the fire dept. Arrived the front end of the car was completely destroyed. The headlights were melted, as was the fenders and front bumper. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…