1993 Saturn SL Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 11%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 1993 Saturn SL, 11% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our vehicle caught on fire while we were on our way to vacation on highway 95. No warning was given. We were approached by another vehicle that the car was on fire. At this point we saw smoke coming from under the hood of the car, and immediately, the car was filled with smoke from under the dashboard of the car. Visibility in the car was almost impossibile. We tried to stop the car, but we had no brakes, nor any emergency brakes. We tried putting the car in park, but the gear shift had been melted down as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10026096, filed 2003-07, 131,788 miles“The alternator belt broke four times since ownership. On one occasion, the consumer was driving at 50 MPH and the belt broke, which caused the power steering to become inoperative, and almost resulting in an accident. Dealer and the manufacturer have been informed of the problem. The serpentine belt fell off while driving, dealer replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10042105, filed 2003-10, 29,000 miles“Consistent problem with engine check light/ABS light, and battery light coming on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. After the consumer left the dealer all the dash lights illuminated and the vehicle shut down.”
NHTSA complaint #10042763, filed 2004-02, 65,000 miles“While applying the brake pedal it went to the floor. Consumer pumped the brakes, and the they malfunctioned. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it home. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection the next day. Mechanic determined that brake lines needed to be replaced. It was later determined that the battery leaked acid on the brake line. The consumer believes the brake failure was due to the faulty design which located the battery over the brake lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10081573, filed 2004-08, 60,000 miles“Since I have purchased my vehicle in 1996, I have had to have a number of repairs done to averging $200. Or more . I am having repairs done about every two months. I got the history of my car and found that it has been this way since the day it was ready to be sold. No safety defect listed in the summary.”
NHTSA complaint #720707, filed 2000-03Related 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
- 93V094000May 25, 1993The positive battery cable terminal at the starter solenoid may be formed incorrectly. Incorrectly formed terminals can contact the starter solenoid housing…Covers: Saturn SL 1993, SC1 1993, SW 1993
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 1993 Saturn SL
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsSeats
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1993 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