2002 Saturn SL recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2002 Saturn SL, but owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls

Complaints

131

Crashes / fires

20 / 5

Injuries / deaths

16 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Saturn SL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Saturn SL problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	44
Power Train	22
Engine and Engine Cooling	17
Seats	9
Air Bags	9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	8
Steering	8
Exterior Lighting	5
Tires	5
Engine	5
Unknown or Other	4
Structure	3

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
Electrical System › Ignition — 11
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 4
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 4
Air Bags › Frontal — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Saturn SL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jul 4, 2023

A car hit me it the front passenger side the hood of my car bent up the passenger side of my windshield cracked and my car went spinning not one air bag came out

Electrical System · at 57,000 miles · reported Sep 25, 2020

Ignition requires key jiggle in order to start. Electrical issues such as constant shorts, major failure in supporting systems.

Seats · at 252,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2018

The vehicle was stopped, was involved in a 3 car collision. The vehicle was hit from behind by a 1985 cadillac fleetwood traveling at at least a moderate rate of speed. The vehicle was pushed into a 2002 audi (I believe it was) SUV. During the collision the drivers seat back failed and collapsed into the back seat. I believe it was the seat adjuster that failed. The driver sustained a concussion due to the collision and the seat failure. The vehicle was on a state road, and was stationary.

Engine · at 40,400 miles · reported May 21, 2018

Rpms go up to 5 and then drop to 0 - engine stalls and will start but will continue at high rpms and keep stalling. As I was traveling at 50 MPH, the rpms went up to 5, and then quickly dropped to 0. The engine stalled and I coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle would start but when reaching 35 MPH, would do same thing (High rpms and then drop and stall). I had to keep sitting and re starting to get the remainder of 6 miles to my home. Garage ran diagnostic and found nothing wrong. The car continues to do this at least 2 times per week, currently sitting in our garage because I AM…

Structure · at 142,000 miles · reported Feb 27, 2018

After opening any door, the handles stick in the upright position, won't release and the door may not be properly secured.

Other Saturn SL years

20022001 2000

Compare all Saturn SL years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Saturn SL have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2002 Saturn SL as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Saturn SL?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (44 reports), followed by power train (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Saturn recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.