Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

1998 Saturn SL Electrical system Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
10%of 168 total for the year
Median mileage
180,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Saturn SL, 10% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When turning off the car, the key gets stuck in the ignition switch between the run and off positions. When stuck the key cannot be turned or removed. The car cannot be started nor can the key be removed.”

NHTSA complaint #10576515, filed 2014-04, 210,000 miles

“I have noted the driver of this vehicle is exposed to unusual activity of radio frequencies (in the 120-140mhz range) and the are pulsing and variable electromagnetic fields in the area of the driver's body. I am concerned with health effects on continued exposures.”

NHTSA complaint #10219251, filed 2008-02

“The contact owns a 1998 Saturn sl2 sedan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the entire instrument panel and exterior lights began to flicker abnormally. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The contact reference NHTSA campaign id number: 09e012000 (exterior lighting) but his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the vehicle was repaired yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting further inspection of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10386884, filed 2011-03, 180,000 miles

“While driving, the engine stalled. The dealer replaced the crankshaft senor and coolant temperature sensor, however the engine stalled again. The power steering and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The gear did not shift properly, mainly in first gear.”

NHTSA complaint #10033577, filed 2003-10

“When accelerating transmission doesn't shift into gear. Also, battery is leaking fluid, deteriorating wire harness to transmission. Dealer stated problem will reoccur because wires do not have a protective covering.”

NHTSA complaint #8003027, filed 2002-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20024333%
20012926%
20002618%
19992011%
19981610%
19973114%
19964014%
1995278%
1994238%
19931911%
19921613%
1991310%

Other parts of the 1998 Saturn SL

Transmission and drivetrain
33 complaints
Engine cooling
28 complaints
Brakes
20 complaints
Seat belts
17 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaints
Tires
12 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Seats
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Fuel 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 27, 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