1999 Saturn SL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 12%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Saturn SL, 12% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My manual transmission 1999 Saturn sl2 1.8 ltr sohc was driving down the road and the shifter went limp. I was almost hit from behind. I found it was the cheap plastic shifter bushing which attaches the shift cable to the stick. I don't have the money to buy the entire cable, Saturn does not sell the bushing only, went to a junk yard and got the part for a dollar.”
NHTSA complaint #10234119, filed 2008-07, 126,000 miles“Within the past few months when I put the vehicle in reverse it jerks violently. This problem is not consistent. I attempted to have it looked at by the dealer they said they couldn't replicate the problem. Upon speaking to one of the associates at the dealer they said they think they know what it is ... Its a common problem but wait until the car does it regularly and it will cost approx $1200 to fix. This is a known problem and Saturn/GM needs to do a recall on these transmissions.”
NHTSA complaint #10247291, filed 2008-10, 81,000 miles“The automatic transmission failure in 5000 miles [no slipping or shuddering fluid not burnt and level has never changed] just quit like that with no warning!! My delemia help!! =I have purchased this vehicle used from the ontario Saturn the car appeared to be as new- even the complete engine compartment not 1 trace of dust and it had 40,202- miles on it = I ask how it could be so clean and new looking =reply- that the cars are maintained by there! Service dept. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033319, filed 2003-08, 45,966 miles“There are pins holding together the differential in manual and standard transmissions. This pin gets worn out and falls out of place causing the differential gears to explode out of the bottom of the transmission causing chunks of metal to fall and hit the pavement leaving hazards on the road way and in the process causes total loss of control by locking up both front tires on the vehicle. I was a victim of this and almost struck a vehicle head on and in the process hit several obstacle before the vehicle cam to rest in a ditch. The vehicle is now at aamco transmission in tulsa ok. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257634, filed 2009-02, 160,000 miles“Clutch starts slipping suddenly. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted, and were aware of the problem, but there was nothing they could do. While in cruise control at 5mph vehicle will accelerate to 8mph.”
NHTSA complaint #10024178, filed 2003-08, 43,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 22 | 17% |
| 2001 | 20 | 18% |
| 2000 | 35 | 24% |
| 1999 | 22 | 12% |
| 1998 | 33 | 20% |
| 1997 | 23 | 10% |
| 1996 | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 | 40 | 11% |
| 1994 | 35 | 12% |
| 1993 | 26 | 15% |
| 1992 | 13 | 11% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1999 Saturn SL
45 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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