2000 Saturn SL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 24%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Saturn SL, 24% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Just wanting to let you know that when the car is moving or still, I can move the shift from d to n without having to press the button to unlock the shifter. Same can be said from n to r. I've never tried it when it's moving, but when the car is stopped, I can push it from d to r. That would be quite interesting to try if it were someone else's car. This was first noticed about a year ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10630973, filed 2014-09, 44,500 miles“My 2000 Saturn sl1 has a problem which I feel is a manufacturer's defect. When put into reverse, the car either does not shift at all, or, hesitates then shifts unexpectedly, or shifts only when gas and brake are pressed at the same time. This is a very dangerous problem that is just an accident waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10032634, filed 2003-08, 57,714 miles“My Saturn clutch/transmission just locked up and does not function. I was left on the side of the road with my three small children. My car only has 52,000 miles on it. This problem should not be occuring with this milage.”
NHTSA complaint #10120953, filed 2005-05, 56,000 miles“I am the third complaint with the same problem: intermittently, when placed in park or neutral or while driving, the vehicle will RPM 3,500-4,000. I have taken to dealer and private mechanics and no answer has been given. Nothing shows on diagnostic computer. When engine revs, I will place in park, turn car off, and start again. Sometimes this does the trick. This is very dangerous as vehicle will try to drive when waiting at a stop light and foot is on the brake. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10145754, filed 2005-12, 24,000 miles“My car when put into reverse, makes a loud bang noise and slams hard into gear. I am told I need a new transmission. Many complaints on the same exact situation all over the internet.”
NHTSA complaint #10186905, filed 2007-04, 80,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V310000Oct 12, 2000Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft…Covers: Saturn SL 2000–2001, SW 2000–2001, SC1 2000–2001 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 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 2000 Saturn SL
34 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsSteering
10 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 29, 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