1993 SATURN SL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

228

Owner Complaints

31 Crashes 8 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

1

Service Bulletin

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1993 SATURN SL

The 1993 SATURN SL has received a total of 228 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES. 1 technical service bulletin have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (19 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (17 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1993 SATURN SL

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1993 SATURN SL, potentially affecting up to 367,292 vehicles.

Recall 93V132000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

| 352,833 vehicles affected

Defect: THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Consequence: SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

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Recall 93V094000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

| 14,459 vehicles affected

Defect: THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1993 SATURN SL

228 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1993 SATURN SL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 19 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 17 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 14
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 13 4 Crashes 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 12 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 11 1 Fire
Seats
Complaints: 9 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 7 Crashes 5 Injuries
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 7
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 6
Electrical System
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Belts
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 5
Tires
Complaints: 5
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 4 4 Fires
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 4
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 4
Air Bags
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Power Trainaxle Assemblybanjo Housing
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash

Most Recent Complaints

#11006222 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 SATURN SL-2. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THREE POLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND EJECTED THE CONTACT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND A PERMANENT HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS IN A COMA ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *JS *TR
#11006222 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 SATURN SL-2. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THREE POLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND EJECTED THE CONTACT THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND A PERMANENT HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS IN A COMA ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THAT IT WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *JS *TR
#10775455 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 120,000 miles
KEY CAME OUT OF IGNITION WHILE GOING AROUND CORNER, ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, EVERYTHING ELSE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. A LOCKSMITH CUT A NEW KEY THAT IS SINGLE SIDED, THIS DOES NOT FALL OUT BUT ALSO DOES NOT FUNCTION ON LOCKS.
#10611240 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 160,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 93V132000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
#10585967 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 60,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014 *JS

View all Engine And Engine Coolingengine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1993 SATURN SL

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1993 SATURN SL in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1993 SATURN SL

General Motors, LLC has issued 1 technical service bulletin (TSBs) for the 1993 SATURN SL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

92-T-40D — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-up.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1993 SATURN SL

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the SATURN SL

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Other SATURN Models

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