1993 Saturn SL
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1993 Saturn SL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.
1993 Saturn SL at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1993 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 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.
Fix: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
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.
1993 Saturn SL common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 238 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1993 Saturn SL safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1993 Saturn SL 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1993 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 1993 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.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1993 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 1993Brakes
On certain vehicles, the stakes securing the two halves of the brake booster assembly may not withstand the loads applied in a high effort manoeuvre. If separation occurs, the brake master cylinder will be disconnected resulting in loss of brakes. Correction: vehicles will be inspected and boosters replaced where required.
Transport Canada #1993023 · Mar 1993Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.