1994 Saturn SL Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 8%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,994miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Saturn SL, 8% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,994 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The consumer was cleaning the interior of the vehicle, when all of a sudden when he sprayed the hand brake and the surrounding area, the automated saftety belt arm started to move backward and foward and then locked and retracted multiple times without any reason or warning. The consumer contacted the dealer and was told it was common since the vehicle was designed without a cup holder, if drinks were accidently spiiled into the hand brake opening, it would cause the seat belt module to malfunction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10024189, filed 2003-07, 102,000 miles“The fbi was my first choice. The car overheats from a cold start after I just filled up the coolant and drove the car for a few feet in 2 minutes from start. The coolant was already overflowing. I noticed something was eating the battery load when this happened another time making the car lose power when I checked the reading on the cars installed voltmeter. This after driving for about a mile. This extreme hot tempreture causes the coolant to boil and overflow even if I aid it with a rewired radiator fan on I have replaced the thermostat and the waterpump a couple of times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10876661, filed 2016-06“In a little over three years we have had to replace the alternator three times.now this will be the fourth.it has been replaced twice under warranties. It is still under warr.,but should I need to keep replacing it? Any infomation you have would help me out. Thanks,gerald franklin.”
NHTSA complaint #717587, filed 2000-01“Dealer says that this system fails often, because the electoning controler is under the spot for the cup holder and is not waterproof. If this is failing and seat belts are not working on a lot of these cars, I wanted you to know that and make them fix the ones, like mine, that have failed.”
NHTSA complaint #720450, filed 2000-03“Since purchasing the vehicle new in 1996, consumer had to purchase 3 batteries and 2 alternators. Both only lasted approximately 12 to 15 months. Saturn mechanic in florida stated that the battery and alternator are built too close together. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #829852, filed 1998-10Related 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 1994 Saturn SL
49 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsAir bags
20 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 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