Saturn

Sl (2002)

2002 · Compact Sedan · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
150 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
23 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Saturn Sl → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LX9

3.5L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
12 complaints 12.0 per year Gasoline
View details

LL0

1.9L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.6)
12 complaints 12.0 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
6
brakes
2
other
1
interior
1
transmission
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)
Brakes Issues (2 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

LV6

1.8L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.3)
44 complaints 44.0 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
14
engine
9
transmission
6
steering
5
cooling
5

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (14 complaints)
Engine Issues (9 complaints)
Transmission Issues (6 complaints)

3 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Saturn Sl regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (23 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (14 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (9 complaints)
transmission critical
Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (1)

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Saturn Sl problems?

The 2002-2002 Saturn Sl has accumulated 150 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Saturn Sl engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Saturn Sl was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.8L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Saturn Sl a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Saturn Sl can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 150 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Saturn Sl have?

The 2002-2002 Saturn Sl has 150 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Saturn Sl?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2002-2002 Saturn Sl vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Saturn Sl?

Before buying a used Saturn Sl, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sl?

The 2002 Saturn Sl received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: N/A stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 150 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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