Model year record

1992 Saturn SL

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 173 owner complaints on file.

Saturn SL, 1991–1995 generation
Pictured: the 1991–1995 generation. Cutlass, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 93V132000

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Component
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
352,833
Reported to NHTSA
1993-08-10
Owners notified
1993-08-06

Defect description

THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Safety risk

SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 92V098000

Power train

Component
Power train
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
633
Reported to NHTSA
1992-07-08
Owners notified
1992-06-19

Defect description

THE TRANSAXLE VALVE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MACHINED. VEHICLES MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK.

Safety risk

IF THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK ORNEUTRAL, IT COULD BE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR COULD STARTIN REVERSE OR DRIVE, OR MIGHT MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH OR INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine18—
Seat belts16—
Seats12140,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator11—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor10—
Seats: front assembly: recliner6—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components6—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery5—
Power train: manual transmission5148,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly5—
Seat belts: front: retractor5—
Vehicle speed control5—
Power train: automatic transmission4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4—
Wheels4—
Electrical system: wiring3—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system3—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline3—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner3—
Seat belts: front: anchorage3—
Unknown or other3—
Air bags: frontal2—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads2—
Air bags1—
Electrical system: ignition1—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, other1—
Latches/locks/linkages1148,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)1—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1—
Power train: axle assembly1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Seat belts: front1—
Seat belts: front: webbing1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1—
Steering115,900 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1—
Steering: linkages1—
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1—
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1—
Structure: body: bumpers1—
Suspension1—
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1—
Suspension: rear1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Visibility: power window devices and controls1—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—

The 1991 model has 6 times as many complaints as this one. The 1993 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Saturn SL model years

All Saturn SL recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.