1995 Saturn SL
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1995 Saturn SL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.
1995 Saturn SL at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1995 Saturn SL recalls 3
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED, OR REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK." THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
Fix: CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
THE STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED CAUSING THE SHAFT TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING ASSEMBLY.
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.
1995 Saturn SL common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 421 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1995 Saturn SL safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1995 Saturn SL 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1995 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 1995 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 3
FRONT SEAT BACK CAN RECLINE OR COLLAPSE Closed
NHTSA #RQ00005 · Seats · opened Feb 2000 · closed Aug 2000CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES Closed
THIS INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTED HTE FUNCTIONAL ABERATIONS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. MOST OF THE MALFUNCTIONS INVOLVED FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO PROPERLY REGULATE VEHICLE SPEED WHEN ENGAGED, FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO ENGAGE, OR SELF-DISENGAGEMENT OF THE SYSTEM. THESE PROBLEMS WERE INVESTIGATED AND STEPS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY THEIR OCCURRENCES. SERVICE PROCEDU…
NHTSA #EA95003 · Equipment · opened Feb 1995 · closed May 1996CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE94079 · Equipment · opened Nov 1994 · closed Feb 1995An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 35
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 35.
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 96-T-34B · Electrical System, Equipment, Visibility · Mar 2023Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Bulletin 130089009 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2013GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES AND TRUCKS: SUBJECT REGARDING, 2002 AND PRIOR PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS, CHEMICAL DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR POLYCARBONATE HEADLAMP LENSES. *SLC UPDATED *EH UPDATED 3/30/11. HEADLAMP LENS OVERHEATING WHEN COVERED AND CHEMICAL DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR…
Bulletin SB-020842001B · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2012INFORMATION 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 2003Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1995 Saturn SL. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and cause the seat to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If left unrepaired, the wear will continue and may result in the seat back fully reclining when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control and a cra…
Transport Canada #1999040 · Mar 1999Powertrain
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 114 - locking system. It may be possible to shift from the PARK position with the ignition key removed, or to remove the key with the shift lever in a position other than PARK. Correction: Automatic transaxle PARK lock cable will be checked for proper function and, if necessary, adjusted.
Transport Canada #1994167 · Nov 1994Steering
Certain vehicles may have been built with a steering gear pinion shaft that was improperly heat treated and could fracture in service. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Manual steering gear will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Transport Canada #1994142 · Sep 1994Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.