NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 183 owner complaints for the 1998 Saturn SL. Most complaints involve power train (34) and engine and engine cooling (31). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“COOLANT AROUND THE SPARK PLUG NEAREST THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE OIL IS VISIBLE IN COOLANT TANK. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED A CRACKED HEAD DUE TO FACTORY DEFECT IN HEAD CASTING. GM DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL! *TR”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SATURN S-SERIES. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SMOKING AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, CONSTANTLY LEAKED ANTIFREEZE, AND THE FAN DID NOT WORK. THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE IGNITION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.”
“BOTH POWER WINDOW REGULATORS FOR THE BACK WINDOWS FAIL TO RAISE AND LOWER THE WINDOWS, LEFT SIDE IN EARLY 2004, AND NOW THE RIGHT SIDE IN LATE SUMMER OF 2005. I DETERMINED THAT THE PLASTIC MOLD INJECTED SLIDER (INSIDE THE METAL TRACK FOR THE WINDOW) IN THE LEFT REAR WINDOW HAS BROKEN, AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT IT IS THE CASE WITH THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW ALSO. I AM SIMPLY WAITING FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW TO BREAK AS IT IS EXHIBITING SLOWNESS WHILE GOING UP AND DOWN. *NM”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| SL Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| SL Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| SL Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 183 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (34), engine and engine cooling (31), visibility (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Saturn SL at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).