1994 Saturn SL Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1994 Saturn SL recalls

Most common 1994 Saturn SL problems

Problem areas named in the 286 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Seats	49
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	49
Engine And Engine Cooling	49
Seat Belts	49
Vehicle Speed Control	37
Power Train	36
Electrical System	25
Air Bags	20
Visibility	15
Steering	11

What owners report

2016-06-26, Electrical System
THE FBI WAS MY FIRST CHOICE. THE CAR OVERHEATS FROM A COLD START AFTER I JUST FILLED UP THE COOLANT AND DROVE THE CAR FOR A FEW FEET IN 2 MINUTES FROM START. THE COOLANT WAS ALREADY OVERFLOWING. I NOTICED SOMETHING WAS EATING THE BATTERY LOAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED ANOTHER TIME MAKING THE CAR LOSE POWER WHEN I CHECKED THE READING ON THE CARS INSTALLED VOLTMETER. THIS AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT A MILE. THIS EXTREME HOT TEMPRETURE CAUSES THE COOLANT TO BOIL AND OVERFLOW EVEN IF I AID IT WITH A REWIRED RADIATOR FAN ON I HAVE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND THE WATERPUMP A COUPLE OF TIMES. PLEASE HELP CAPTAIN AMERICA. THE RECEIPT FROM THE ATTACHED FILE IS THE LATEST.THIS CAR IS POSSESSED.

2013-07-30, Vehicle Speed Control
FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE CAR WILL TURN ITSELF OFF WHILE ENGAGED, AND, IF LEFT ALONE, WILL RANDOMLY REENGAGE TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER WITH NO WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SURGE OF ACCELERATION (AS MUCH AS ONE CAN EXPECT FROM A SATURN, ANYHOW) IF SPEED HAS SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC. *TR

2011-06-30, Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SATURN SL. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BIG O BIG O ASPEN TIRES (205/70/R14 DOT U9T9 TX30103). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 241,000.

2009-10-26, Power Train
I HAVE A 1994 SATURN SL2 VEHICLE AND WAS ALMOST IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND CAUSED MY CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN ON A HEAVILY TRAFFIC HIGHWAY. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TO ME WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE TOTALLY REBUILT WITH A NEW TIMING CHAIN AND IT ONLY LAST 1 YEAR. I PAID OVER $1000 DOLLARS FOR THE REBUILT ENGINE INCLUDING LABOR AND THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN,I THINK ITS LUDICROUS BECAUSE MANY MECHANICS TOLD ME THAT SATURNS HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF ENGINE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY TIMING BELTS. NOW I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN WITH NOT MANY OPTIONS. NEED SATURN TO HELP ME OUT!!!!!!!!! *TR

2008-10-30, Seat Belts
I OWN A 1994 SATURN SL1 . THIS MODEL OF CAR EMPLOYS "AUTOMATIC" STYLE SEAT BELTS, THAT ARE BUILT INTO THE DOOR FRAME. WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR THE SEAT BELT IS SUPPOSED TO OPEN BY SLIDING UP THE TRACK. WHEN YOU GET IN THE CAR AND CLOSE THE DOOR, THE SEAT BELT IS SUPPOSED TO CLOSE BY SLIDING BACK ON THE TRACK. THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC OPERATION DRIVEN BY A MECHANICAL MOTOR. THE TRACK OR SOMETHING IN THE MECHANISM HAS FAILED, AND THE SEAT BELT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL WHAT SO EVER. I FEEL THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DRIVE AROUND A CAR WITHOUT A WORKING SEAT BELT??? SATURN IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT ACCORDI

1994 Saturn SL questions

Does the 1994 Saturn SL have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1994 Saturn SL: Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Saturn SL?

Based on 286 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Seats (49), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (49), Engine And Engine Cooling (49).

How do I check if a recall on my 1994 Saturn SL has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.