1992 Saturn SL
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1992 Saturn SL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1992 Saturn SL at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1992 Saturn SL recalls 2
THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
Fix: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
THE TRANSAXLE VALVE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MACHINED. VEHICLES MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK.
Fix: REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1992 Saturn SL common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1992 Saturn SL safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1992 Saturn SL 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1992 Saturn SL MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1992 Saturn SL costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
BROKEN REAR SPINDLES Closed
NHTSA #PE94028 · Suspension · opened Mar 1994 · closed Jun 1994ENGINE MOUNT FAILURES Closed
NHTSA #PE94019 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Mar 1994 · closed Jun 1994BRAKE DRAG/EFFECTIVENESS Closed
NHTSA #PE93072 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jul 1993 · closed Nov 1993FR SEATBACK RECLINER FAILS Closed
NHTSA #EA93016 · Seats · opened Jun 1993 · closed Jul 1994STEERING SYSTEM LOCKUP Closed
NHTSA #PE93022 · Steering · opened Apr 1993 · closed Sep 1993SEATBACK FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE93004 · Seats · opened Feb 1993 · closed Jun 1993An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 67
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 67.
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.
Bulletin 92-T-40D · Equipment, Electrical System, Visibility · Mar 2023Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Bulletin 130089009 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2013INFORMATION FOR DIAGNOSING AND SERVICING CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF THE VEHICLE CREEPING FORWARD IN NEUTRAL, BINDING IN REVERSE, AND/OR CLICKING OR WHINING IN ALL FORWARD GEARS AFTER TRANSAXLE SERVICE. *KB
Bulletin 060730024 · Power Train · Sep 2006SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING SATURN REAR DRUM WHEEL CYLINDER INSPECTIONS. *TT UPDATE. *TT
Bulletin 030524001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2005POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE AND/OR LEAK DIAGNOSIS. *TT
Bulletin 020232009 · Steering · Feb 2005REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AND REMANUFACTURED VALVE BODY INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS. *TT
Bulletin 040730026 · Power Train · Jun 2004SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE APPLICATIONS FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT SOLENOIDS. *TT
Bulletin 000730024 · Power Train · Jan 2004NO SELECTION FIR SATURN WHEN PROGRAMMING A SATURN VEHILCLE. *SC
Bulletin 3119 · Jan 2004REAR DISC BRAKE NOISE AND/OR PULSATION. *TT
Bulletin 030523003 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2003CLARIFICATION OF LABOR CODES USED FOR REPROGRAMMING VEHICLE CONTROLLERS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 L-SERIES. *TT
Bulletin 030089025 · Sep 2003Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1992 Saturn SL. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short circuit in the generator could cause excessive current flow in the generator wiring harness resulting in overheating and a possible engine compartment fire. Correction: Generator wiring harness will be replaced with one that will open, as a fuse would under these conditions, to eliminate the potential for an underhood fire.
Transport Canada #1993108 · Aug 1993Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, the gear selector may indicate that the vehicle is in PARK or NEUTRAL, even though it could be in REVERSE or DRIVE. If this happens, the vehicle could start in REVERSE or DRIVE, or might move unexpectedly. Correction: Valve body assembly will be replaced. Note: all vehicles were repaired prior to final delivery.
Transport Canada #1993055 · Apr 1993Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.