1994 Saturn SL Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 7%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,700miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the air bags of the 1994 Saturn SL, 7% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,700 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As a result of being rear ended, the driver's seat back collapsed. . The air bags did not deploy when the consumer's vehicle was pushed into another vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10022969, filed 2003-08, 162,700 miles“Ltr was sent dated 1/29/02 w/accident rpt. Injury was fractured sternum. As I changed lanes at freeway speed the traffic in the lane I entered stopped. I braked hard but could not avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. The airbag did not deploy and the shoulder restraint did not lock (it never has and I didn't realize it should). I was wearing the lap and shoulder belts. The lap belt held me in place, but my upper body hit the steering wheel. I had damage repairs done at a 21st century ins recommended shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #759714, filed 2002-03“Consumer was traveling approximately 10 MPH when vehicle was hit by a commercial vehicle traveling an estimated 30 to 40 MPH. Driver's airbag failed to deploy, and no determination has been made as to reason for failure. Please provide any additional information / attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #896906, filed 2001-09“Vehicle rear-ended at stoplight by another vehicle traveling approximately 35mph. Driver seatback failed, throwing driver onto her back, causing extensive back and neck injuries. Driver was wearing full lap and shoulder belts. Airbag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #725102, filed 2000-07“Driving about 25 MPH, went to apply (ABS) brakes & they failed to work; rearended another vehicle; air bag didn't deploy; vehicle towed to body shop; insurance inspector looked at vehicle & found nothing wrong; Saturn representative said ABS needed changing & said other brakes were working fine.”
NHTSA complaint #813872, filed 1997-07Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 12% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 5% |
| 1997 | 17 | 7% |
| 1996 | 18 | 6% |
| 1995 | 31 | 9% |
| 1994 | 20 | 7% |
| 1993 | 10 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1994 Saturn SL
49 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsTires
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Saturn SL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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