1992 Saturn SL Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 13%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1992 Saturn SL, 13% of the 123 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Passive restraint system on passenger side failed without trauma, engine mount failed causing steering difficulty and loud noise, gas gauge began bouncing randomly, o-rings in A/C failed twice, despite retrofit, A/C again inoperative due to o-rings water pump leaked at 40,000 miles, battery dead in one year in arizona.”
NHTSA complaint #720910, filed 2000-04“While driving at 55 MPH noticed smoke coming from the steering column and pulled over. The consumer got out the vehicle and left the key in the ingition and the vehicle lost all power. The whole electrical system died out. The vehicle was in the shop and was repaied. The shop repaired the harness and now the electrical item's don't work.”
NHTSA complaint #829236, filed 1998-10“Vehicle was parked about 20 minutes when it suddenly caught on fire. The fire department was called. The fire department determined it was an electrical fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10066764, filed 2004-04“Alternator failed two months prior to recall announced on possible fire hazard on vehicle. Due to mileage, vehicle was outside of warrenty, had to pay out of pocket for replacement. Manufacturer contacted regards to possible failure due to same reason as recall. Manufaturer stated there was no chance. (recall was for alternator/alternator failed) mechanic stated if diodes did not burnout, may have cause a fire. Recall was based on possible fire hazard in alternator system.”
NHTSA complaint #731707, filed 2000-09“Alternator has been replaced three times and battery replaced 5 times. Now experiencing surging, hesitation and stalling, and the dealer cannot find the cause after four trips.”
NHTSA complaint #747891, filed 2001-07Related recalls
- 93V132000Aug 10, 1993The generator electrical wiring is not protected against excessive current flow which may be caused by an electrical short circuit in the generator.Covers: Saturn SL 1991–1993, SC 1991–1993, SC1 1991–1993 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10233362Mar 10, 2023This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 43 | 33% |
| 2001 | 29 | 26% |
| 2000 | 26 | 18% |
| 1999 | 20 | 11% |
| 1998 | 16 | 10% |
| 1997 | 31 | 14% |
| 1996 | 40 | 14% |
| 1995 | 27 | 8% |
| 1994 | 23 | 8% |
| 1993 | 19 | 11% |
| 1992 | 16 | 13% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1992 Saturn SL
29 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSeats
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 Saturn SL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology