1999 Saturn Sl problems
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Common 1999 Saturn Sl problems
The Saturn SL, produced in 1999, is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues include engine, electrical, and interior accessories problems, as well as exhaust system, drivetrain, and transmission problems.
- Engine problems: The 1999 Saturn SL has experienced a high number of engine-related issues, with 14 complaints reported to CarComplaints.com. These problems range from stalling and surging to rough idling and excessive oil consumption. The most frequent engine issue is a lack of power or acceleration, which can be caused by various factors, including a faulty mass air flow sensor or a clogged catalytic converter.
- Electrical problems: Electrical issues are another common problem for the 1999 Saturn SL, with six complaints reported. These problems include malfunctioning power windows, non-functioning interior lights, and failing instrument clusters. The most prevalent electrical issue is a faulty alternator, which can cause the battery to drain quickly and the engine to stall. This issue can be resolved by replacing the alternator, but it is essential to identify the root cause of the problem to prevent future failures.
- Interior accessories problems: Three complaints have been reported for interior accessories problems in the 1999 Saturn SL. These issues include malfunctioning power door locks, non-functioning power mirrors, and failing seat heaters. The most common interior accessories problem is the failure of the power door locks, which can be caused by a faulty actuator or a damaged wiring harness. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty component, but it is crucial to diagnose the root cause of the problem to ensure a long-lasting solution.
- Exhaust system problems: Two complaints have been reported for exhaust system problems in the 1999 Saturn SL. These issues include a failing catalytic converter and a leaking exhaust manifold. The most common exhaust system problem is a failing catalytic converter, which can cause the engine to run poorly and produce excessive emissions. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty component, but it is essential to identify the root cause of the problem to prevent future failures.
- Drivetrain problems: One complaint has been reported for drivetrain problems in the 1999 Saturn SL. This issue includes a failing CV joint, which can cause a loud clicking noise when turning. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty CV joint, but it is crucial to diagnose the root cause of the problem to ensure a long-lasting solution.
- Transmission problems: One complaint has been reported for transmission problems in the 1999 Saturn SL. This issue includes a slipping transmission, which can cause the engine to rev excessively and the vehicle to lose power. This issue can be resolved by rebuilding or replacing the faulty transmission, but it is essential to identify the root cause of the problem to prevent future failures.
In conclusion, the 1999 Saturn SL has several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues include engine, electrical, and interior accessories problems, as well as exhaust system, drivetrain, and transmission problems. While these issues can be resolved by replacing the faulty components, it is crucial to diagnose the root cause of the problem to ensure a long-lasting solution. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
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.
What is the fuel mileage of a 1999 Saturn S Series?
Fuel Economy
| City | 23 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 34 mpg |
| Combined | 27 mpg |
Why won't my 1999 Saturn SL1 start?
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.
1999 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Saturn Sl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1999 Saturn Sl
The NHTSA has received 203 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Saturn Sl. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1999 Saturn Sl vehicles.
2020-06-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-01
- VIN: 1G8ZK5274XZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I JUST RECEIVED A 1999 SATURN SL 2 SERIES A YEAR AGO FROM MY MOTHER FOR MY VERY FIRST CAR. I GOT IT AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES AND IT IS NOW CURRENTLY AT 122,446. I NOTICED ABOUT A MONTH AGO WHILE I WOULD BE DRIVING, USUALLY AFTER ABOUT 1-2 MILES AFTER STARTING UP THE CAR AND DRIVING, MY GEARS BEGAN TO SLIP. I KEPT UP WITH JUST ABOUT MONTHLY OIL CHANGES, ACCOMPANIED BY TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECKED AND TOPPED OFF. MY TRANSMISSION OIL HAS NEVER BEEN LOW. THEN, ABOUT 4 DAYS AGO I WENT TO LEAVE FROM MY WORK ORIENTATION, AND I COULDN?T BACK UP MY CAR FROM MY PARKING SPOT, THE REVERSE HAD WENT OUT. SO I PUT THE CAR BACK IN DRIVE, THEN BACK TO REVERSE THINKING MAYBE IT DIDN?T GO INTO REVERSE ALL THE WAY AND IT DID NOT WORK. I REVVED UP THE ENGINE, NOTHING HAPPENING UNTIL I DID IT PRETTY HARD, AND EVENTUALLY IT STARTED ROLLING BACK A LITTLE. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF THIS WAS A PRETTY BIG ISSUE OR NOT, AND I REALIZE I SEE IT A LOT IN 1999 SATURNS. A RECALL I BELIEVE WOULD BE THE BEST OPTION FOR FIXING THIS ISSUE AND WOULD FURTHER PREVENT PEOPLE FROM SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC AND IT?S CURRENTLY SITTING THERE NOW. I DON?T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO TELL ME. I BELIEVE IT COULD BE A SMALL PART THAT JUST NEEDS REPLACED, BUT I?M SURE THEY?RE GOING TO JUST HAVE ME PURCHASE A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH IS NOT WHAT I PREFER TO DO AS A 18 YEAR OLD COLLEGE STUDENT. ESPECIALLY IF THE CAR WAS ONLY 700$ THAT I PURCHASED IT FOR. *TR
2018-02-21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-18
- VIN: 1G8ZK527XXZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY NIECE'S AND NEPHEW WAS HOLDING ONTO THE BARS IN THE CEILING AND IT CAME OFF THE BARS IN THE CEILING WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY WHOLE ROOF LINER CAME OFF I COULDN'T SEE I HAD TO PULL THE WHOLE LINER DOWN SO I WOULDN'T GET IN AN ACCIDENT I NOTICED AFTER I GOT HOME THE METAL BRACKETS THAT THE SCREWS WE'RE HOLDING ON WAS SPLIT I CANNOT FIX THEM BACK I FEEL IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND WE ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED I HAVE LITTLE KIDS I TAKE CARE OF I FEEL IT'S A RECALL AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED THE BRACKETS AND THE LINER FELL OFF I THREW THE LINER AWAY THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION I WAS COMING FROM RICHMOND VA PICKED THEM UP TO COME TO MY MOM'S HOUSE IN KING WILLIAM VA I WAS ON INTERSTATE 95 I HAVE MORE PICTURES THAN THIS ## VIN PASSED ## 1999 SATURN SL2 ##
2015-09-21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-17
- VIN: 1G8ZK5279XZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND RESTARTED AFTER TEN MINUTES. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED TO RELEASE THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. UPDATED 11/23/15*LJ *TR
2014-08-20
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-02
- VIN: 1G8ZK5279XZ
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE LOCK ON THE STEERING COLUMN IS TOO LOOSE TO BE TURNED EFFECTIVELY ONLY SOMEONE WHO HAS DRIVEN THE CAR FOR A WHILE KNOWS HOW TO GET THE KEY TO TURN SO THAT THE CAR CAN BE STARTED. *TR
2014-08-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-23
- VIN: 1G8ZH5286XZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOST POWER AND VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS LOST CONNECTION WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000.
2014-07-11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-07
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK5271XZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO PREVENT FROM CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD DISOBEYED THE STOP SIGN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ROLLED INTO A SNOW EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE THREE PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. IN ADDITION, THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
2013-01-28
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-08
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE AIR BAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. NO KNOWN CAUSE- POSSIBLY BAD SENSORS. IT BROKE MY THUMB AND BURNED MY ARM. *TR
2011-08-27
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-26
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5275WZ
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: HAND BREAK BUTTON COMES OFF PREVENTING THE HAND BRAKE FROM LOCKING IN PLACE. *TT
2011-05-08
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-11
- VIN: 1G8ZF5282XZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HAND BRAKE RELEASE BUTTON AND SPRING POPPED OUT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNATTENDED AND PARKED ON A HILL (AS IT TYPICALLY IS), THIS CAR COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS BODILY HARM OR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.
2010-08-24
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-17
- VIN: 1G8ZF5289XZ
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 SATURN SL1. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE SHIFT CABLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. ON A LATER DATE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE RETURNED, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD INDEPENDENTLY DISENGAGED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUTTON WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ORDER THE NECESSARY PART FROM THE DEALER TO MAKE REPAIRS HIMSELF. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT HAD HE BEEN PARKED ON A HILL, THE VEHICLE COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE ROLLED AWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
2010-01-26
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-02
- VIN: 1G8ZF5282XZ
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 1999 SATURN SL PLASTIC GROMMET CONNECTION BETWEEN SHIFTER CABLE AND SHIFTER. JUST BROKE. APPARENTLY ENGINEERED WITH A MIND FOR OBSOLESCENCE RATHER THAN SAFETY OR DURABILITY. ENABLING A HIGH REPAIR COST FOR A 50 CENT BUSHING THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE ENTIRE SHIFTER CABLE AND SHIFTER. CHEAP FIX (TIME AND PART WISE) FOR CAR MANUFACTURER IF STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CONVENIENTLY COSTLY FOR OWNER WHEN CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
2009-08-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-17
- VIN: 1G8ZK5275XZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 1999 SATURN SL THAT I BOUGHT OFF A SATURN EMPLOYEE TWO MONTHS AGO; IT WAS MAKING A WHINING SOUND BUT SHE SAID THAT THE SOUND WAS BECAUSE IT HAD A NON STANDARD PART ON IT. THE IGNITION LOCKED UP ONCE OR TWICE AND NOW IT WILL NOT CRANK NOR START. I HAVE CHECKED THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE STARTER-SOLENOID AND ALL WIRES AND CABLES. I HAVE ALSO CALLED SATURN AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT COULD BE AND THAT THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS ON ANY OF THE PARTS ABOVE NOR ANY THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO CRANK OR START. THEY SUGGESTED THAT I BRING IT IN. *TR
2009-02-19
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-18
- VIN: 1G8ZH5280XZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I MADE A RIGHT TURN AND TURNED TO CLOSE TO THE CURB AND BUMPED IT AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALER SAYS IT'S NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX, THAT I SHOULD CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND MAKE A CLAIM. MY INSURANCE SAYS THAT IF I MAKE A CLAIM I COULD BE CANCELED SINCE I HAVE TWO PRIOR CLAIMS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED. ALL I DID WAS CATCH THE CURB WITH THE SIDE OF MY FRONT TIRE. THE DEALER SAYS IT WILL COST $2,100.00 TO REPAIR. THE CAR IS A 1999 SATURN SL AND IS NOT WORTH THAT. EVEN IF I COULD FILE WITH MY INSURANCE THEY WOULD TOTAL THE CAR BECAUSE IT WOULD COST MORE TO REPAIR THAN IT IS WORTH. I BOUGHT THE CAR 11/26/08 AND HAVE ALREADY HAD TO PUT A NEW WATER PUMP IN IT AND NOW THIS. *TR
2009-02-05
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THERE ARE PINS HOLDING TOGETHER THE DIFFERENTIAL IN MANUAL AND STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS. THIS PIN GETS WORN OUT AND FALLS OUT OF PLACE CAUSING THE DIFFERENTIAL GEARS TO EXPLODE OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING CHUNKS OF METAL TO FALL AND HIT THE PAVEMENT LEAVING HAZARDS ON THE ROAD WAY AND IN THE PROCESS CAUSES TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL BY LOCKING UP BOTH FRONT TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS A VICTIM OF THIS AND ALMOST STRUCK A VEHICLE HEAD ON AND IN THE PROCESS HIT SEVERAL OBSTACLE BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAM TO REST IN A DITCH. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT AAMCO TRANSMISSION IN TULSA OK. ALL THIS INFORMATION ABOUT THE PINS ARE COMING FROM THEM. THIS HAPPENS IN ALL 1999 SATURN SL AND SL2 VEHICLES WITH THE STANDARD AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. MY VEHICLE IS THE 1999 SATURN SL2 WITH THE SOHC 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION. IF YOU TAKE A LOOK AT COMPLAINTS THERE ARE MANY BEARING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
2009-01-06
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK5271XZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MICHELIN WEATHERWISE II B. TIRES HAVE POOR WET SURFACE BRAKING PERFORMANCE. VEHICLE NEEDS EXTRA DISTANCE TO STOP WHEN BRAKING ON WET ROADS. *TR
2008-12-03
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-03
- VIN: 1G8ZK5274XZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I BOUGHT A USED SATURN ON 8/23/08 FROM DESERT INN MOTORS, TOO MANY PROBLEMS AFTER 3 MONTHS , NEW BATTERY, BRAKE BAD, MOTOR PROBLEM TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR, SO I TOLD THEM I'M NOT MAKING ANYMORE PAYMENTS, THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR BACK AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE CAR, THEY REPO MY VEHICLE, SHADY BUSINESS PRACTICES. *TR
2008-10-30
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-01
- VIN: 1G8ZK5279XZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WITHIN THE PAST FEW MONTHS WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT JERKS VIOLENTLY. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT CONSISTENT. I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT BY THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPON SPEAKING TO ONE OF THE ASSOCIATES AT THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY THINK THEY KNOW WHAT IT IS ... ITS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT WAIT UNTIL THE CAR DOES IT REGULARLY AND IT WILL COST APPROX $1200 TO FIX. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND SATURN/GM NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
2008-10-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-13
- VIN: 1G8ZK5278XZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1999 SATURN. IT KEEPS STALLING WHILE IN MOTION. IT WILL WORK FINE FOR A FEW WEEKS, THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT WILL "ACT UP" AND THE RPMS WILL DANCE AROUND UNTIL IT FINALLY STALLS. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN MANY TIMES ALREADY. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THE TIMING CHAIN INQUIRY, BUT I AM NOT SURE IF IT WILL RUN LONG ENOUGH FOR IT TO BE COVERED. I AM UPSET THAT I CAN'T GET ANY ANSWERS FROM SATURN. THEY INSIST ON ME BRINGING THE CAR IN AND I AM QUITE SURE THAT WILL NEED TO "FIX IT" WHICH WILL COST ME PLENTY. PLEASE MAKE NOTE THAT MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT MYSELF. *TR
2008-08-04
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-04
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SATURN IS RIPPING PEOPLE OFF BY MAKING THEM BUY A $250 PART JUST TO GET A $5 BUSHING. I THINK THAT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WHERE WE GET TO DECIDED WHAT WE REPLACE. *TR
2008-07-30
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-04
- VIN: 1G8ZK5276XZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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? *TR
2008-07-13
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-13
- VIN: 1G8ZF5280XZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION 1999 SATURN SL2 1.8 LTR SOHC WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SHIFTER WENT LIMP. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND. I FOUND IT WAS THE CHEAP PLASTIC SHIFTER BUSHING WHICH ATTACHES THE SHIFT CABLE TO THE STICK. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY THE ENTIRE CABLE, SATURN DOES NOT SELL THE BUSHING ONLY, WENT TO A JUNK YARD AND GOT THE PART FOR A DOLLAR. *TR
2008-05-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-30
- VIN: 1G8ZK5270XZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN ASSEMBLY ON THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V307000 (COMMUNICATIONS:HORN ASSEMBLY), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
2007-10-30
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BUSHING IN THE SHIFTER BROKE (END OF CLUTCH CABLE). A SMALL, ROUND, PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT GOES AROUND A CENTER BALL PIN SHIFTER. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY 94 EAST CLOSE TO 5 FREEWAY SAN DIEGO CA WITH MY 2 KIDS ON THE BACK, AND I PULL TO THE SIDE SAFE BUT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. I BOUGHT THE ENTIRE CABLE SHIFTER ASSY FOR $215+LABOR+TOWING COST +THE DANGEROUS OF BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY WITH THE FAMILY, TOO MUCH FOR A SIMPLE BAD DESIGN OF THIS LITTLE 0.20 CENT PLASTIC BUSHING. PLEASE MAKE THIS BUSHING REPLACEMENT A BIG RECALL FOR ALL SATURN CARS. THE DEALER AT CONVOY AND BALBOA AT KERNY MESA SAN DIEGO CA, SELLS ONE CABLE GEAR EVERY WEEK BECAUSE THIS LITTLE 0.20 CENT PLASTIC BUSHING. PLEASE HELP THE PUBLIC FROM BEING RIPPED OFF. I LEARNED FROM THE INTERNET THAT YOU CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM IN A COUPLE OF HOURS AND LESS THAN $10.00 DLL OF HARDWARE PARTS. *TR
2007-08-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-02
- VIN: 1G8ZK5275XZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS WARPED AND CORRODED AT 39,660 MILES. *JB
2007-07-30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-30
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5279XZ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SL2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. SHE HAS REPLACED THE FUSE AND BOLTS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE SHORTAGES. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V245000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS). THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
1999 Saturn Sl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1999 Saturn Sl.
2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
1999-10-20
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Saturn Sl problems:
1999 Saturn SL1 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1999-saturn-sl1/problems
Problem with your 1999 Saturn SL1? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1999 Saturn SL1.
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 ...
Saturn SL2 Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/saturn/sl2
Top Saturn SL2 Problems · Rubber Transmission Cooler Lines Can Leak Fluid · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Stalling/Charge Light Illumination Due to ...
1999 Saturn SL1 Transmission Issue - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-saturn-sl1-transmission-issue/89205
Mar 4, 2015 ... The manifold gasket is a quick check, use some type of spray around the intake manifold gasket at the top, outboard corner around the #1 ...
Saturn S-Series Common problems SOHC versus DOHC?? | Bob Is ...
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/saturn-s-series-common-problems-sohc-versus-dohc.200404/
Jul 16, 2013 ... Anyone know of issues that are common problems on the Saturn ... SL/SL1/SC1 that I should look out for. ... Likely something newer, maybe '99 ...
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