1998 Saturn SL Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Saturn SL, 10% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear windows will not go up or down. However, they fall down on low speed, slight impact, unlevel terrain (bumps). I wonder if Saturn has any idea how fun it is to stop everytime you pass a bump in the road, get out of the vehicle and manually push the windows back in place; only to have them fall again within the next hour. Don't drive your 1998 Saturn sl2 in the rain unless you wish to get wet along with everything in your rear seat. It's definately different in a Saturn , that's why I will never purchase one again.”
NHTSA complaint #10056746, filed 2004-02, 41,000 miles“All the complaints that I have made are already listed on your list except the winshield fluid pump. When I took the car in regarding the rattling noise they couldn't hear so they told me too bring it in if it becomes more noticable.”
NHTSA complaint #711558, filed 1999-09“I have had it in several times for them to fix it. They put in a delay blower to fix the problem. It has been bad from the start. One of their salesman has said there is a problem but the service dept says there is not. The car had to be towed once because of it”
NHTSA complaint #719861, filed 2000-03“Both power windows in rear of car failed. Both power windows failed even though they have rarely been used. Driver side rear window drops down while driving causing distraction to driver and excessive wind and wind noise in the car. A third power window component was replaced on the front of the car while still under warranty. Suspect faulty window regulators as dealer mentioned both regulators would have to be replaced. Date is approximate for 1st window. Second window failed about 7 months later.”
NHTSA complaint #10002908, filed 2003-01“Driving at any speed the vehicle will vibrate and make bucking sounds from time to time. The vehicle has been in the shop eight times for different problems. Also, there is a lack of power and grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Tide rod end had to be replaced. In addition, consumer had power steering/ window problems. Repaired vehicle three times, and they can't determine the problem. Vehicle has been in shop eight more times.”
NHTSA complaint #830210, filed 1998-11Related service bulletins
- 10233369Mar 10, 2023This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1998 | 17 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 5% |
| 1996 | 16 | 6% |
| 1995 | 16 | 5% |
| 1994 | 15 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Saturn SL
33 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSeat belts
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 28, 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