1998 Saturn SL Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 180,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Saturn SL, 3% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 milesExterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Saturn SL
33 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsBrakes
20 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 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