2000 Saturn SL Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,284miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Saturn SL, 7% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,284 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Had a few months, hot summer and key would not turn in ignition. Manual that came with car said this could happen and if it did to turn the wheel, jiggle the shift, etc. Would not have this trouble except in hot weather. On oct 29, 2010 I had lock cylinder & keys replaced at my expense by an authorized GM dealership. Now it is doing it again (6/26/2014) with only 44,000 actual miles on it. Only authorized dealership has ever worked on this vehicle. This has happened to my daughter who has a newer Saturn and to a Saturn of my granddaughters. …”
NHTSA complaint #10606365, filed 2014-06, 1,000 miles“Had to replace transmission casing had a bad leak wiring harness from ignition caught on fire putting me and my families life at risk rattles real bad in rear portion of car heater quit working”
NHTSA complaint #10070025, filed 2004-01, 73,568 miles“While driving at 55 MPH, consumer felt the front wheels locking up. Consumer had vehicle service by the dealership who indicated that the pin in the transmission broke in two. This resulted in the bolt coming loss and busting casing around the transmission. Please provide more details. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001122, filed 2002-12, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 2000 Saturn SL. The contact stated that while traveling at unknown speeds, the key could be removed and the vehicle would continue to operate as normal. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire ignition system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10631049, filed 2014-09, 80,000 miles“While driving, the steering wheel wandered on its on. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the vehicle was operating as designed.”
NHTSA complaint #10096925, filed 2004-10Related service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 7% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 37 | 10% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2000 Saturn SL
35 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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