1994 Saturn SL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 12%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,115miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Saturn SL, 12% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,115 miles. 2 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.
“I have a 1994 Saturn sl2 vehicle and was almost in a horrible accident on a major highway when the timing chain broke and caused my car to completely shut down on a heavily traffic highway. This was the second time this incident happened to me with the same problem. Had to have the engine totally rebuilt with a new timing chain and it only last 1 year. I paid over $1000 dollars for the rebuilt engine including labor and the issue happened again,I think its ludicrous because many mechanics told me that saturns have a long history of engine problems especially timing belts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10289905, filed 2009-10“When I brake it brakes then lets go and then brakes again and keeps doing that until I come to a complete stop. Also when I am driving down the road my transmission I think jerks my whole car. And that also happens when I put thye car in reverse. I have talked to 4 other people who have a '9194 Saturn sl2 and they have all the same problems. I also got to drive one of them and there car does everything mine does and both of our glove box latch has broke and does not latch.”
NHTSA complaint #746010, filed 2001-05“Saturn reluctant to comment on if problems were of factory defects, therefore everything was paid for in full (extreme amounts) by myself. Also, the products, after replaced failed within one month after the warranty expired. Saturn refused to compensate . Nos afety defect listed in summary.”
NHTSA complaint #721694, filed 2000-04“Automatic shoulder belt was designed without a safety feature to retract backwards when it hits an object. Odometer was failing to register correct mileage. Mechanic refused to do any repairs due to vehicle being out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #883590, filed 2001-03“Air bag light was not working, replaced 2 of the componenets under the dash one under the drivers side up in the corner and the other up behind the glove box. Cooling fan does not function properly must keep the AC on for the fan to work. A friend of mine has the same car and has the same problem. Tried to fix by replacing the sensors had a mechanic try to trouble shoot, can't find a reason so it is not fixed just keep AC on always. Car vibrates and can't find a reason still looking for problem, vibrates so much body parts on front are becoming misaligned! …”
NHTSA complaint #10093917, filed 2004-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 22 | 17% |
| 2001 | 20 | 18% |
| 2000 | 35 | 24% |
| 1999 | 22 | 12% |
| 1998 | 33 | 20% |
| 1997 | 23 | 10% |
| 1996 | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 | 40 | 11% |
| 1994 | 35 | 12% |
| 1993 | 26 | 15% |
| 1992 | 13 | 11% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1994 Saturn SL
49 complaintsSeats
48 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsElectrical system
23 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 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