1998 Saturn SL Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Saturn SL, 4% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 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.
“Gas leaking. Running low on gas after fill up. Had car looked at and there are holes in the gas line, running from the engine to gas tank. Fuel line is apparently is plastic and is deteriorating.”
NHTSA complaint #10162548, filed 2006-07, 72,000 miles“My 1998 Saturn sl2 has had a (hot engine) fast idle (2000 RPM) condition on and off for years.. I have taken it to the Saturn dealer,, then to a GM dealer three times all to no avail.. Various sensors have been replaced and the condition persists.. I have spent near $1000. In labor costs, sensors ect and still I have the problem..”
NHTSA complaint #10319116, filed 2010-03“Driving at highway speeds vehicle loses all power and eventually stops, causing a safety hazard. Dealer replaced fuel pump, but defect has reoccurred.”
NHTSA complaint #838586, filed 1999-05Related service bulletins
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10137901May 9, 2014This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
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 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