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Model year record

1993 Saturn SL recalls & problems

The 1993 Saturn SL has 2 safety recalls and 175 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (35 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints175filed by owners
Crashes · fires24 · 8reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemAug 10, 1993

Alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 93V132000352,833 vehicles

Problem
THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
Risk
SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix
THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
Electrical systemMay 25, 1993

12v/24v/48v battery › Cables

Recall 93V09400014,459 vehicles

Problem
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix
INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1993 Saturn SL 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

SL

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

SL

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

SL

25mpg combined
City / highway21 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

SL

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components35503—
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline35020—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission28010—
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; 12v/24v/48v battery2114162,500 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner21603—
Vehicle speed controlLinkages; Cruise control19201—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor16303—
Air bagsFrontal10907—
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall9000—
StructureBody › Door; Body7101—
VisibilityWindshield; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core5010—
Unknown or other4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations