2002 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 154 complaints about the 2002 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 28.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 14.3%.
Complaints154
Crashes24
Fires5
Injuries20
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 28.6% · 44
Power train 14.3% · 22
Engine and engine cooling 11.0% · 17
Seats 5.8% · 9
Air bags 5.8% · 9
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.2% · 8
Steering 5.2% · 8
Tires 3.2% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 24 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 20 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filing volume has held steady, 9 in the last three years against 8 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 Saturn SL. While driving approximately 55 mph, the key ejected from the ignition switch without warning. The vehicle continued to run in the on position without the key in the ignition switch. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. Electrical system · reported at 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Saturn SL. After parking the vehicle and returning twenty minutes later, the ignition key would not turn and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000. Electrical system · reported at 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Saturn SL. The contact stated that the key was unable to be removed from the ignition. The contact also stated that the key was able to be removed while the vehicle was being operated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 5/27/14*cn updated 06/02/2014 Electrical system · reported at 72,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Saturn SL years
1996 369 complaints · 19.0% engine and engine cooling 1997 286 complaints · 14.3% engine and engine cooling 1998 222 complaints · 15.3% power train 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