2002 Saturn sl
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Saturn sl is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.
2002 Saturn sl at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2002 Saturn sl recalls 1
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
2002 Saturn sl common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2002 Saturn sl safety ratings
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Saturn SL 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2002 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 2002 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
Manufacturer service bulletins 307
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 307.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…
Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Bulletin 10-08-45-001H · Electrical System · Mar 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce…
Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
Bulletin 22-NA-074 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Bulletin PI1394B · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train · Jan 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
Bulletin 02-08-42-001J · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2024This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
Bulletin 17-NA-170 · Wheels · Oct 2023Source: 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 2002 Saturn sl. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Brakes
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. These vehicles were assembled with an inadequate weld at the brake pedal pad to brake pedal actuator arm assembly. During braking, the brake pedal pad could separate from the brake pedal actuator arm. If this were to occur, the driver's foot could become dislodged from the pedal resulting in a loss of brake system a…
Transport Canada #2002031 · Feb 2002Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards no. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and no. 214, "Side Impact Protection." these vehicles were manufactured with welds between the door striker and belt-line that do not meet Saturn specifications. If the seat belt anchorage on the pillar failed in a crash, the driver could be injured more seriousl…
Transport Canada #2002009 · Jan 2002Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
