Saturn SL Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the Saturn SL have?

The Saturn SL has 3 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 1997 through 1997. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my SL under recall?

Whether your specific SL is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled SL year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 1997 Saturn SL has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 3 campaigns. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

3 recall campaigns on record across 1 model year of the Saturn SL. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

Check Your Specific VIN — Free All Saturn Recalls

Recall Campaigns

1542

Owner Complaints

226

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

1 affected model years234 crash-involved complaintsMost recalled year: 1997

Affected Model Years

19973R · 163C

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Visibility/Lighting1 campaign (33%)

Steering1 campaign (33%)

Seat/Restraints1 campaign (33%)

Most Common Owner Complaint Areas — Saturn SL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

120

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

SEATS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Based on 1,542 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years. 8 deaths and 226 injuries reported.

All Saturn SL Recall Campaigns

#09E0120001997 Saturn SLVisibility/Lighting

Issued: Jul 4, 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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…

Risk: 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.

#97V1380001997 Saturn SLSteering

Issued: Invalid Date

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKING LOT OR SIMILAR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

#97V1550001997 Saturn SLSeat/Restraints

Issued: Dec 9, 1997

SEATS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT COLD WELDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE TUNNEL AREA OF THE FLOOR PAN. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE."

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.

Recalls by Component

1Steering Recalls

#97V138000MY 1997

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH…

Saturn SL Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the Saturn SL have?

The Saturn SL has 3 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 1997 through 1997.

Is my SL under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled SL year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 1997 Saturn SL has the highest recall campaign count (3 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a SL recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a SL?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific Saturn SL for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My SL

Saturn SL Problems & Complaints All Saturn Recalls All Makes — Recall Center