1998 Saturn SL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 12%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Saturn SL, 12% of the 168 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I parked my car, a 5-speed manual, and the parking brake release button popped out, and is now broken so I cannot use the parking brake at all. Not safe considering my car is a manual. I am attempting to locate a replacement button, but have not had much luck so far.”
NHTSA complaint #10266151, filed 2009-04“1998 Saturn 41,635 miles- bakes pulse and shakey steering- machine rotors new pads 48,343 miles-shakey steering-balance wheels replace suspected bad tire. 64,057 miles-shakey steering-machine rotors, pads okay for now. There is something definitely wrong with the brakes and or the rotors. I have owned many vehicles and never had rotor problems. While at the repair shop I overheard two phone calls from customers with similar complaints.”
NHTSA complaint #10073234, filed 2004-05“Not long after we purchased the vehicle, the brakes made noise and caused the steering wheel to vibrate upon braking. Brought in the vehicle for service and they said the rotors were warped, they cut them down. Since then the brakes have made noises and the rear wheels lockup upon initial driving daily. Each time the vehicle was brought in for regular oil changes, we complained about the noises, at 10.209 miles &16,284 miles, but they always said nothing was wrong. Now the brakes are still making noises when you first start the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #729959, filed 2000-09“I too have had repeated brake problems with my sl1. The first time Saturn replaced them because at 25,000 miles, they should not be bad. Then at 45,000 miles it happened again! The service man told me it was because I was riding the brake. Of course it was my fault - not! I argued with him, but lost. Had to pay almost $400 dollars for a brake job that was already replaced and should have been under warranty. I asked him if I was going to be changing the rotors again in 30,000 miles, he said no. It should last till 50,000 miles. Guess what?!? 25,000 miles later, it is having the same problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #753327, filed 2001-10“Emergencey brake non-functional after 1/8 inch daimeter plastic button retainer broke. Ts assembled such that if it fails it is disengauged, resulting in a car that can roll down inclines.”
NHTSA complaint #10058555, filed 2004-02Brakes: 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 1998 Saturn SL
33 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsTires
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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