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1991 Saturn Sl problems

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1991 Saturn Sl

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Common 1991 Saturn Sl problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Saturn SL 1991 based on complaints from owners:

  • Price Increases: Another concern raised by owners is the price increases observed in subsequent model years of the Saturn SL. The base prices for the SL, SL1, SL2, SC2, and SW2 models increased from 1991 to 1993, impacting the affordability of these vehicles. This price trend could have affected owners' perceptions of the value proposition offered by Saturn cars over time.
  • Inventory Backlog and Quality Delays: Initially, when Saturn was introduced for customer sales, there was a small inventory leading to customer orders backing up. Delays on the production line were experienced as Saturn worked to address quality problems, resulting in customers having to wait for their cars for four to six weeks. This issue of delayed deliveries could have caused frustration among owners waiting for their vehicles.
  • Engine Performance Issues: Early Saturn SL models faced criticism for engine-related problems such as wind noise, engine vibrations, and sluggish engine performance, particularly in the 85 horsepower single overhead cam version. These engine performance issues were noted by industry analysts and journalists, prompting Saturn to address and improve these aspects in later models.
  • Quality Concerns: While Saturn cars were praised for features like handling and seat comfort, there were concerns raised about the overall quality and competitiveness of the vehicles compared to other brands like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. Saturn acknowledged the criticisms and worked to enhance the quality of their cars over time, reflecting a commitment to addressing customer feedback and improving their products.

These common problems reported by owners of the Saturn SL 1991 highlight a range of issues from mechanical concerns to pricing strategies and quality improvements undertaken by Saturn in response to customer feedback and market competition.

1991 Saturn Sl engine

1991 Saturn Sl car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Seats problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Saturn Sl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1991 Saturn Sl

The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Saturn Sl. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Saturn Sl vehicles.

2005-10-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-02-10
  • VIN: 1G8ZK5470MZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE BRAKE PEDAL IS ALWAYS LOW AND SOME TIMES BOTTOMS OUT WHEN YOU FIRST START DRIVING THE CAR. YOU CAN'T STOP. RECORD OF COMPLAINT IS ON FILE WITH SATURN, BUT THEY JUST BLEW ME OFF BECAUSE THEY CHECK OUT THE CAR, BUT SAID IT WAS OK. I SHOWED THEM THAT BY PUMPING THE BREAKS A FEW TIMES THAT THE PEDAL WOULD BOTTOM AND BREAKING WAS LOST. THEY DUPLICATED IT BUT REFUSED TO ADMIT IT WAS A PROBLEM. NOW MY SONS ARE DRIVING AND I CAN'T LET THEM DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT EXPERIENCED ENOUGH DRIVERS AND IF THEY EVERY GET INTO A PANIC STOP SITUATION THEY NEED TO HAVE EXTRA ROOM FOR GLIDING AS THE WHEELS WON'T LOCK UP. I MADE SATURN REPLACE THE MASTER BREAK CYLINDER AND THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. I HAVE THE OLD MASTER BREAK CYLINDER. *NM
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2005-10-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-02-10
  • VIN: 1G8ZK5470MZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE BRAKE PEDAL IS ALWAYS LOW AND SOME TIMES BOTTOMS OUT WHEN YOU FIRST START DRIVING THE CAR. YOU CAN'T STOP. RECORD OF COMPLAINT IS ON FILE WITH SATURN, BUT THEY JUST BLEW ME OFF BECAUSE THEY CHECK OUT THE CAR, BUT SAID IT WAS OK. I SHOWED THEM THAT BY PUMPING THE BREAKS A FEW TIMES THAT THE PEDAL WOULD BOTTOM AND BREAKING WAS LOST. THEY DUPLICATED IT BUT REFUSED TO ADMIT IT WAS A PROBLEM. NOW MY SONS ARE DRIVING AND I CAN'T LET THEM DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT EXPERIENCED ENOUGH DRIVERS AND IF THEY EVERY GET INTO A PANIC STOP SITUATION THEY NEED TO HAVE EXTRA ROOM FOR GLIDING AS THE WHEELS WON'T LOCK UP. I MADE SATURN REPLACE THE MASTER BREAK CYLINDER AND THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. I HAVE THE OLD MASTER BREAK CYLINDER. *NM
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2005-06-10

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-06-09
  • VIN: 1G8ZH5496MZ
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: DT: CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY SHAKING, AFFECTING THE STEERING. THE SOLENOIDS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, 6 MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
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2004-05-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-25
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER PASSIVE RESTRAIN SEAT BELT LOCKS DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *LA
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2003-10-03

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-03
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE SUNROOF DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION THE MOUNTS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. AT NO TIME THE SUNROOF HAS BEEN IMMERSED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN TO A ROLL OVER. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TO BE A RESULT OF NEGLECT ON MY PART, RATHER POOR QUALITY MATERIALS USED IN MANUFACTURE. *LA
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2001-06-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT PASSENGER PASSIVE RESTRAINT BELT IS LOCKED IN FORWARD POSITION, LEAVING OCCUPANT UNRESTRAINED.*AK
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2001-04-08

SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZJ5472MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SEATBACK BROKEN AND MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELTS BIND IN TRACK AND BLOW FUSE. *AK
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2000-11-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-06
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Number Of Deaths: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZK5578PZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: RESTRAINT SYSTEM ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED BY CHP-CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. THE ANALYSIS INDICATED THE RESTRAINT FAILED AT THE LATCH PLATE CONNECTION TO THE MOTORIZED GUIDE PLATE. THIS REPORT IS BEING FILED FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER BY THE CHP PER OUR DEPARTMENTAL POLICY. *AK
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2000-08-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-08
  • VIN: 1G8ZF549XMZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT ARM SUDDENLY WAS LOOSE. SATURN OF ASUTIN REPORTED SHIFTER CABLE BROKE AND REPLACED SAME. IF BREAK HAD OCCURRED WHILE MOVING IT LIKELY WOULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENT AND INJURY.
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2000-04-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZG5497MZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HAVE HAD CAR SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, ENGINE ALWAYS REMAINED ROUGH, CAR DIES ON US, HAS LOW UPTAKE SPEED, MECHANIC SAID ITS A SATURN ENGINE DEFECT, WILL EVENTUALLY DIE ALTOGETHER. *AK
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2000-01-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZH5287Z2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER EXPERENCING PROBLEMS WITH REPLACING THE BATTERY. BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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1999-11-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-11-29
  • VIN: 1G8ZJ5275TZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I INQUIRED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT SATURN OF MONROVIA (MONROVIA,CA, 91016) IF THEY WERE AWARE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED PROBLEMS. THEY DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF ANY PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDER THE HOOD. *AK
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1999-11-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-11-23
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZF5490MZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: NONE
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1999-11-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZF5491MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: MY 91 SATURN HAS A MOTORIZED/RETRACTIBLE SEAT BELTS. THE BELT NO LONGER FUNCTIONS CORRECTLY. IT ORGINALLY STOPPED AT MID POINT OF THE DOOR OPENING. NOW, IT MOVES ONLY COUPLE OF INCHES. I CONTACTED THE SATURN 800 NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE TECH COMMENTED THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE MODULE. I ASKED IF THIS FAILURE OCCURED FREQUENTLY AND THE RESPONSE WAS YES.
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1999-09-15

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZH5493MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE SEAT BELTS ARE ELECTRIC AND ARE SUPPOSE TO SLIDE ALONG THE INTERIOR SURFACE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT FIRST, AND A PERMANENT LATCH WAS PUT IN SO THAT ANY ONE SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAVE TO CLAMP THE SEAT BELT EVERY TIME THE ENTER AND EXIT THE CAR. SOMETIME LATER THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WENT OUT. THE SEAT CABLE WOULD PULL THE LATCH BUT WOULD NOT SECURE THE LATCH TO LOCK. WITH THE LATCH NOT LOCKING I COULD STILL CLAMP THE SEAT BELT ON TO THE LATCH. I WOULD CLAMP THE SEAT BELT ON THE LATCH EVEN THOUGH IT WOULD NOT LOCK, TO AVOID GETTING A CITATION FOR NOT HAVING A SEAT BELT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS IF I WAS TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THE SIT BELT NOT SECURED, I AM AFRAID THAT MY SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROTECT ME.
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1998-11-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-15
  • VIN: 1G8ZJ5473MZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY PROVIDER BY CONSUMER.
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1998-03-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-12
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND DRIVING OVER CURVES WITHOUT STOPPING, SHE FINALLY STOPPED IT BY PULLING THE IGNITION KEY ON A MALL PARKING LOT. *AK
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1998-01-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZH5493MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE.
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1998-01-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-19
  • VIN: 1G8ZK547XMZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED.
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1998-01-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-19
  • VIN: 1G8ZK547XMZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE.
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1997-06-18

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-16
  • VIN: 1JZK5479MZ1
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: WHILE COMING TO A STOP THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FOUR LUG: NUTS BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
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1997-06-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZH5495MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT MOTOR FAILED, CAUSING FAILURE OF SHOULDER HARNESS.
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1997-05-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-15
  • VIN: 1G8ZK5475MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TRACK DOESN'T SLIDE ON TRACK PROPERLY. *AK
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1997-03-06

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-03
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH GOING ABOUT (20-25) MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO THE SHOULDER HARNESS DID NOT LOCK. VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. *AK
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1997-01-27

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-03
  • VIN: 1G8ZK5478MZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE OIL LEAK, GASKET OIL PAN RUSTED, CAUSING LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, IN FOR REPAIR WILL PROVIDE INVOICE RECEIPT. *AK
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1991 Saturn Sl recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Saturn Sl.

1993-08-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
  • Summary: THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Saturn Sl problems:

2001 Saturn SL Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
2001 Saturn SL Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2001-saturn-sl/problems

Problem with your 2001 Saturn SL? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Saturn SL.

Q&A: 1993 Saturn SL - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 1993 Saturn SL - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/67nmb-saturn-sl-series-1993-saturn-sl-doors.html

Feb 7, 2012 ... I have a 1993 Saturn SL 1 4 doors. It has code 26 Quad Driver Module. It turns off by itself, it does not show how much - Answered by a ...

High Idle from H*ll - Saturn Forum - Saturn Enthusiasts Forums
High Idle from H*ll - Saturn Forum - Saturn Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/saturn-s-series-sedan-27/high-idle-h%2All-8755/

Oct 18, 2013 ... I'm just running out of ideas, however it seems like a common problem. ... It helped me solve my high idle issues on a 1995 SL1. ... saturn, sl, sl1 ...

Saturn 2002 SL1 Transmission Problems - Q&A on Saturn SL Series ...
Saturn 2002 SL1 Transmission Problems - Q&A on Saturn SL Series ...
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/6cin5-saturn-sl-series-saturn-2002-sl1-transmission-problem.html

Mar 6, 2012 ... My name is XXXXX XXXXX I will do my best to help you with your Saturn problem. These transmissions are common for having valve body problems.

2000 SL1 with a misfire - Saturn Forum - Saturn Enthusiasts Forums
2000 SL1 with a misfire - Saturn Forum - Saturn Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/saturn-s-series-sedan-27/2000-sl1-misfire-9331/

Feb 28, 2014 ... common problem o #1 cylinder. cheap test is to spray some carb /choke cleaner around #1 intake and if rpm changes that is where the problem is.

Other years of Saturn Sl

saturn sl 1992 photo
Sl 1992
Saturn

189

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
saturn sl 1993 photo
Sl 1993
Saturn

238

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
saturn sl 1994 photo
Sl 1994
Saturn

392

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
saturn sl 1995 photo
Sl 1995
Saturn

421

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
saturn sl 1996 photo
Sl 1996
Saturn

363

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
saturn sl 1997 photo
Sl 1997
Saturn

282

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1991 Saturn Sl photo