2002 Saturn SL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 8%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,434miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Saturn SL, 8% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,434 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I recently purchased my Saturn and replaced the brake pads and rotors it was fine then after 200 miles the brakes started grinding then would stop. Checked the calipers they were fine had to replace the rotors again due to the grinding brakes were fine. 2 weeks later same thing then stopped it starts and stops grinding when it wants.”
NHTSA complaint #10638585, filed 2014-09, 110,000 miles“The brakes on my 2002 sl1 Saturn had to be replaced at 15,000 mi; now, at 30,000 mi, the Saturn dealership is telling me they need to be replaced again. I previously had a 1991 Saturn sl1, for 11 years and with more than 100,000 mi, and did not have any problems with the brakes, so it's not my style of driving - it's apparently the equipment on the car itself (and the replacement parts as well.)”
NHTSA complaint #10171892, filed 2006-10, 15,000 miles“The brake pedal travelled to the floor board. The owner took the vehicle to the dealer and had the dealer inspect the vehicle. The service manager stated after the vehicle was evaluated they could not find any defects in the brakes. However, they did have to add fluid to the brakes. Later they contacted the owners spouse and said the vehicles brake response was normal for this type vehicle. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10091493, filed 2004-09, 28,600 miles“While applying the brake pedal brakes failed. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rotors needed to be replaced, and replaced them four times. However, the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10091827, filed 2004-09, 5,000 miles“Vehicle rotors are warped. The consumer stated the rotors warped so bad in 10,000 miles that the vehicle shook and vibrated. When maneuvering around a curve the vehicle was difficult to control.”
NHTSA complaint #10044522, filed 2004-02, 43,000 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 10 | 8% |
| 2001 | 13 | 12% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 34 | 19% |
| 1998 | 20 | 12% |
| 1997 | 24 | 11% |
| 1996 | 44 | 15% |
| 1995 | 56 | 16% |
| 1994 | 45 | 16% |
| 1993 | 36 | 21% |
| 1992 | 19 | 15% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn SL
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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