2002 Saturn sl
1G8ZF52842Z231966
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Saturn sl (VIN 1G8ZF52842Z231966). White, sedan/saloon, 1.8L 4-cyl. Title: Clean. 198,573 mi reported. Registered in Wa. 1 open safety recall. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1G8ZF52842Z231966
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 1
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Saturn sl, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash 🚑 3 reported injuries
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 150
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Saturn sl.
AIR BAGS
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
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11530331ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
IGNITION REQUIRES KEY JIGGLE IN ORDER TO START. ELECTRICAL ISSUES SUCH AS CONSTANT SHORTS, MAJOR FAILURE IN SUPPORTING SYSTEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11361173POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
I OWN A 2002 SATURN SL VEHICLE PURCHASED IN 7/2016. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY VEHICLE. BOTH STARTER AND BATTERY HAVE BOTH BEEN CHECKED OUT OK. ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED ON 10/31/18. AFTER THESE REPAIRS, WHEN STARTED IT STILL MADE VERY NOISY SOUNDS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW I CAN'T GET IT TO START AT ALL. I TRIED TO GET HELP ABOUT A RECALL RELATIN…
NHTSA ODI #11162608SEATS
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 FA…
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11123911ENGINE
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 S…
NHTSA ODI #11097012STRUCTURE
AFTER OPENING ANY DOOR, THE HANDLES STICK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, WON'T RELEASE AND THE DOOR MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED.
NHTSA ODI #11075178ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION CYLINDER IS WORE OUT, WHEN PUTTING IN THE KEY, YOU HAVE TO JIGGLE THE KEY, SOMETIMES TAKES UP TO 10 MINUTES FOR THE KEY TO TURN AND START. SOMETIMES IT WORKS FINE. THIS IS AN OFF AND ON PROBLEM. THIS MONTH (SEPT 2017) IT HAS BEEN REAL BAD. I AM AFRAID TO GO ANYWHERE, FEARING I WILL BE STRANDED.
NHTSA ODI #11023642AIR BAGS
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RT. 80, WHEN A CAR SWERVED INTO RIGHT LANE IN FRONT OF ME FROM ENTRANCE RAMP. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 45 MILES AN HOUR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION, CAUSING LIFE ALTERING INJURY. LEFT TEMPORAL BRAIN DAMAGE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND EPILEPSY, ALSO OTHER INJURIES TO NECK, SHOULDER AND TO LOWER BACK. *TR
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10944042+ 142 more complaints on record.
