1995 Saturn SL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 16%of 355 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,650miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Saturn SL, 16% of the 355 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,650 miles. 10 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.
“1 incident and 1 crash. Left emergency brake on by accident when driving and went to apply brake to slow down, but had no brakes. Could not stop..no accident first time it happened. But 2nd time caused multiple car accident w/an injury. After I stopped driving, the brakes began working again. I had my brakes checked but they did not need replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10227543, filed 2008-05, 12,300 miles“Emergency brake button broke; button ejected when using parking brake, preventing e-brake from being used. Button and spring assembly came out, with button having two small plastic chips that were broken, preventing reassembly. This effectively prevented the vehicle's standard emergency equipment (parking brake) from being used. No replacement button was available.”
NHTSA complaint #10187980, filed 2007-04, 205,000 miles“Brakes pulsate when stopping and also causing steering wheel to shake. Brakes caused car not to stop on time when traveling about 35mph. I had just recently taken the car to a Saturn dealership and the brakes were inspected and I was not advised anything about the brakes. Then just recently, when I noticed my car was experiencing extended stopping I took the car to a dealer besides Saturn; I was told that wheel cylinders were leaking and rotors were warped and calipers had to be replaced. Basically, the entire braking system was gone. This has been a problem from day one with this car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043135, filed 2003-10“Cracks in both front disc brake rotors on the inner pad contact surface were discovered by the mechanic while having my car serviced at his station. My brakes were not in disrepair and as far as I can see these cracks developed over normal use. I do have to point out that my examination of these rotors show that the inner brake pad disc rotor area has a much smaller surface area than the outer brake pad rotor surface area (which had no cracks) and also the inner rotor pad surface area is also less able to effectively and safely handle the heat and stress generated by braking action. …”
NHTSA complaint #763575, filed 2002-06“While drivng, the vehicle just stopped completely in the middle of traffic. Vehicle was towed to a shop, where the alternator and battery were replaced. Owner still experienced problems with vehicle. When taken to the dealer, the alternator was replaced again. The alternator has been replaced (3) times within a (2) year period.”
NHTSA complaint #817683, filed 1997-10Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 10 | 8% |
| 2001 | 13 | 12% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 34 | 19% |
| 1998 | 20 | 12% |
| 1997 | 24 | 11% |
| 1996 | 44 | 15% |
| 1995 | 56 | 16% |
| 1994 | 45 | 16% |
| 1993 | 36 | 21% |
| 1992 | 19 | 15% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1995 Saturn SL
69 complaintsEngine cooling
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsElectrical system
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsTires
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1995 Saturn SL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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