1992 Saturn Sl problems
Social links
Common 1992 Saturn Sl problems
The 1992 Saturn SL is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Water Temp Sensor: Another common issue with the 1992 Saturn SL is a problem with the water temp sensor. This sensor is known to crack easily and can cause the car to not idle properly when at a stop or in neutral. Replacing the water temp sensor can often fix this problem, and it's a relatively simple and inexpensive repair.
- Motor Mounts and Transmission Mounts: The motor mounts and transmission mounts on the 1992 Saturn SL can wear out around 150,000 miles, which can cause a variety of problems with the car's performance. Replacing these mounts can help keep problems minimal and keep the car running smoothly.
- Fuel Filter: The fuel filter on the 1992 Saturn SL is located along the driver side front fender inside the car. Replacing the fuel filter can help keep the car running smoothly and prevent problems with the fuel system.
- Idle Pulley Bearings: The idle pulley bearings on the 1992 Saturn SL can go out around the 200,000-mile marker, which can cause a variety of problems with the car's performance. Replacing the idle pulley bearings and the belt can help keep the car running smoothly and prevent more serious problems.
- Valve Body: The valve body on the top of the transmission can cause hard shifting problems in the 1992 Saturn SL. This is a more complex repair and may require the help of a professional mechanic.
- Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket is known to blow on the 1992 Saturn SL, which can cause a variety of problems with the car's performance. Replacing the valve cover gasket can help keep the car running smoothly and prevent more serious problems.
- Wheel Bearings and Catalytic Converter: The wheel bearings and catalytic converter can be problematic on the 1992 Saturn SL, especially as the car ages and reaches higher mileage. These issues can be more expensive to repair and may require the help of a professional mechanic.
Overall, the 1992 Saturn SL is known for several common problems that can affect the car's performance and reliability. However, with regular maintenance and repairs, many of these issues can be addressed and the car can continue to run smoothly for many years to come.
How long do Saturn engines last?
Saturn engines were generally reliable and long-lasting. A 2002 Saturn SL2 came with an I4 engine that made 124 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. With regular oil changes and smooth driving, you can expect the SL2's engine to last at least 200,000 miles.
Is Saturn a safe car?
A new study has identified Pontiac and Saturn drivers as some of the safest drivers on the road today with the lowest number of on-road incidents. Meanwhile, Ram drivers were shown to have the highest number of on-road incidents.
Why is my Saturn SL1 not starting?
The most common reasons a Saturn SL1 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Is Saturn maintenance expensive?
The annual maintenance cost of a Saturn is $553. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
1992 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Saturn Sl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Saturn Sl
The NHTSA has received 189 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Saturn Sl. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Saturn Sl vehicles.
2008-08-17
POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: SHIFT CABLE LINKAGE BROKE AT SHIFTER WHILE SHIFTING DURING ACCELERATION ,MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO NO POWER AT WHEELS NEAR MISS OF BIG RIG. HAD TO DRIVE ON SIDEWALK-AND LAWN. *TR
2007-01-03
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-31
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE AND FELL OFF CAUSING ME TO LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WE WERE IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE OF THREE LANES AND THE CAR PULLED US ACROSS THE OTHER TWO LANES, DOWN A VERY STEEP DITCH AND INTO THE MEDIAN WHERE WE HIT MANY SMALL TREES. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL, NOR DID WE EVER TAMPER WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVERS SIDE IS GETTING THE BACK DOOR AND PANEL REPLACED AND THE BACK BUMPER ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE STEERING WHEEL. NONETHELESS, MY WIFE AND I NEARLY LOST OUR LIVES BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE. *JB
2005-03-22
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-01
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. DRIVER WAS GOING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS CAME OUT. THE BEARINGS SEIZED, AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF. WHAT WAS LEFT WAS LITTLE CHEWED UP PIECES OF METAL. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK
2005-02-07
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK5272SZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1995 SATURN SL2, INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IN MODERATE FRONTAL COLLISION. *BF PORTIONS OF THE AIR BAG FABRIC MELTED THE INTERNAL COMPONETS OF THE MODULE. *JB
2004-12-07
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-06
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. CONSUMER WAS GOING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE BEARINGS CAME OUT/SEIZED, AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF, WHICH LEFT CHEWED UP PIECES OF METAL. CONSUMER LATER CONTACTED THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK
2004-06-29
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH5499NZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED AND COLLAPSED DURING A MINOR FENDER BENDER. *MR THE SEAT COLLAPSED. DUE TO POOR INADEQUATE WELDS. *SC
2004-04-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED ABOUT 20 MINUTES WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
2003-05-05
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-24
- VIN: 1G8ZG5496N2
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE DRIVERSIDE SEAT BACK COLLASPED. THE BACK OF THE SEAT SLAMMED DOWN SO HARD THAT IF A PASSENGER WAS SITTING THERE THERE LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. "POOR DESIGN", STATES CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
2003-05-05
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZG5496N2
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER DRIVER, THE VEHICLES DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED ON TO THE REAR BENCH SEAT. CONSUMER IS VERY CONCERNED WITH REAR PASSENGERS BEING INJURED BY SEAT BACK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
2003-04-28
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB
2002-07-02
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING STEERING LINKAGE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2002-06-05
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-05
- VIN: 1G8ZF5492NZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SHIFTER CABLE END FASTNER BROKE RENDERING SHIFTER INOPERABLE. *AK
2002-03-18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-16
- VIN: 1GHZF5490NZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE WOULD ACCELERATE WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS IT BEING THE BRAKE BOOSTER DIAPHRAM THAT IS WORN AND LEAKING. THE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE CHECK VALVE GROMMET IS TORN. *JG *AK
2002-02-14
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-10
- VIN: 1G8ZK5570NZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: FRAME OF DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THIS WAS A BREAK THROUGH THE STEEL U-CHANNEL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT JUST BELOW WHERE IT IS WELDED TO THE TUBULAR STEEL TOP PIECE. THIS COMPONENT SHOULD NEVER FAIL EVEN UNDER THE STRESS OF A REAR END COLLISION LET ALONE DURING NORMAL DRIVING. DEFECT COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT AND IF IT OCCURED DURING A REAR END COLLISION AN UNECESSARY INJURY WOULD LIKELY HAVE RESULTED.*AK
2002-02-13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH5492NZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED AND BUMPER IS 36 INCHES LONG AND SIDES HAVE NO BUMPER PROTECTION.
2001-10-17
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-15
- VIN: 1G8ZG5592NZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE IS NOT ABLE TO LOCK INTO BUCKLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK STITCHING ON SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE CAME APART. *YD
2001-10-01
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-15
- VIN: ADD
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WILL ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY, IT GETS STUCK IN ANY POSITION.ALSO, SINCE JULY 2001 DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY.
2001-09-19
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-19
- VIN: 1G8ZK5474NZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR GETS IN OPEN POSITION CLOSE TO WINDSHIELD. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AT THIS TIME, BUT WAS REPAIRED 1 YEAR AGO, COSTING $800. COMPUTER CONTROLS DOME LIGHTS/ CHIMES/ LOCKS AND SEAT BELT. SATURN HASN'T HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. *AK
2001-08-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-19
- VIN: 1G8ZG5497NZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
- Summary: WE MOVED FROM LOUISIANA TO ARIZONA AT THAT TIME WE NOTICED OIL IN COOLANT-REPLACED HEAD GASKET NO NOTICEABLE CRACKS IN HEAD, VEHICLE NEVER OVER HEATED WHILE DRIVING PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. LEFT FRONT SEAT IN A PERMANENT SLANT BACKWARD.*AK
2001-07-30
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZH5497NZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-07-08
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH1479NZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: RAN OFF ROAD AND HIT STUMP< BURST INTO FIRE WITHIN SECONDS>AIRBAG FAILED. *AK
2001-07-05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-11
- VIN: 1G8ZK547XNZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND BATTERY REPLACED 5 TIMES. NOW EXPERIENCING SURGING, HESITATION AND STALLING, AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE AFTER FOUR TRIPS. *AK
2001-05-10
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE LEFT REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A CONCRETE DIVIDER WALL, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A SORE NECK (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
2001-04-27
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-11
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: OUR 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DIED BECAUSE SHE HAD THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT FULLY RECLINED. SHE WAS TAKING A NAP COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL. HER SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED, BUT AT IMPACT HER UPPER TORSO WAS WHIPPED FORWARD, THEN THE FRONT SEAT RECLINING MECHANISM GAVE OUT AND THE FRONT SEAT POPPED UP TO ITS UPRIGHT POSITION, THEN WHEN HER SHOULDER BELT CAUGHT SHE WAS THROWN BACK INTO THE SEAT. SHE DIED OF SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA, BUT THERE WERE NO MARKS ON HER. THE NEUROLOGIST SAID IT WAS AKIN TO SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME BECAUSE HER HEAD WAS SHAKEN TOO FAST AND TOO HARD, CAUSING THE BRAIN STEM TO SWELL AND CUT OXYGEN FLOW TO THE BRAIN. THE WINDSHIELD DIDN'T EVEN CRACK. WHY ARE FRONT SEATS MADE TO RECLINE WHEN SAFETY BELTS AND AIRBAGS WILL NOT PROTECT YOU IF YOU ARE RECLINED?*AK
2001-04-08
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-25
- VIN: 1G8ZH147XNZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: APPLIED BRAKES STOPPED SHORT,SEAT BACK SNAPPED WHEN CAR STOPPED
1992 Saturn Sl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1992 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.
1992-07-08
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Saturn Sl problems:
Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t26257_ds41828
Feb 1, 2007 ... The main problem is oil consumption, they all do it and sometimes it's severe. The single cam engine have issues with head cracking but it's ...
1992 Saturn SL Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/saturn/sl/1992
Get 1992 Saturn SL repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Saturn mechanics near you.
Q&A: Troubleshooting 94 Saturn SL2 Starting Issues
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/3fp2x-94-saturn-sl2-won-t-start-time-when-doesn-t.html
Apr 27, 2010 ... Hello, the most common thing I've seen for intermittent crank but no start conditions on these vehicles is the ignition control module, I've ...
2001 Saturn SL Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2001-saturn-sl/problems
2001 Saturn SL Problems. Find the most common issues based on car owner complaints. Top 2001 Saturn SL Problems ... 1992 Saturn SL problems. (10). View all. 1993 ...
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 ...
Other years of Saturn Sl
Are you having problems with your 1992 Saturn Sl?
Leave your review of 1992 Saturn Sl