2002 Saturn SL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 17%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,165miles
- 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 2002 Saturn SL, 17% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,165 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I came to a complete stop at a stop sign,went to put it first (5speed) and the shifter bushing broke. The shifter was just flopping around.I could have been in serious situation if I was in the city or traveling.or picking up a senior customer.”
NHTSA complaint #10538203, filed 2013-08, 89,000 miles“This is regarded to the valve body issue that is common in saturns. I have a 2002 sl1 with 50,000 miles on it and must need to be replaced after doing research online I have found that there is hundreds of people with the same problem. Why has Saturn not done anything to fix this problem, or offer to help pay for the cost of repairs?”
NHTSA complaint #10095961, filed 2004-10, 48,000 miles“One evening last week I noticed that when I would shift gears after being parked, it felt like something dropped under my car. The same night, I would be driving about 35-40 miles and hour in the 1-2 RPM range, all of a sudden the gauge would quickly jump to 3 rpms and then drop back down. It did this consistently every 2-3 minutes. I took my car to a local transmission shop the next morning because I felt that it was a serious problem. The body valve was damaged which was the main problem. That was replaced along with a few other parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10246332, filed 2008-10, 86,500 miles“I have a 2002 sl1 (auto transmission)with over 150,000 miles on it. The transmission had started clunking when engaged in reverse and also when shifting between other gears. I decided to have my transmission rebuilt. I have had my car at a transmission shop for over a month now. The mechanics replaced my valve box and still am having the same issues. My mechanics is at a loss right now. I have read alot of blogs on the internet about the Saturn transmissions and believe I am not going to get my car fixed by my current mechanic nor anyone else.”
NHTSA complaint #10231155, filed 2008-06, 150,000 miles“I have a 2002 Saturn sl2 and I've had to replace my transmission twice now. I believe that the dealership in manchester, nh knowingly sold it to me like this since I had brought up a very slight speed up effect the car had to the car sales woman, and she had told me that it was because the car had a slightly more powerful engine than the 4.0 I was used to (it had a 4.6) and the jump was just the extra power . I haven't even owned the car for 18 months yet. It's a piece of crap and I have a pretty bitter taste in my mouth from dealing with the car dealerships in nh and in md. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197422, filed 2007-07, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
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 2002 Saturn SL
43 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBrakes
10 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