1994 Saturn Sl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Saturn Sl: 1 recall, 286 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #99V045000 · 1999 · 138,691 vehicles
What's wrong: Some front seat back recliner gear teeth May wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
Why it matters: If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 41 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (49): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Seats (48): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (44): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (20), noise or vibration (9).
- Engine & cooling (38): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), overheating (3), leaks (3).
The 1994 Saturn Sl has 286 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 12 Sl model years for complaints (1.5× the average Sl year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (62 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 118,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (175 complaints, 2 recalls), 1995 (355 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Saturn Sl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1994 Saturn Sl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1994 Saturn Sl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Saturn Sl problems?
Owners have filed 286 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (49), seats (48), brakes (hydraulic) (44).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Saturn Sl get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Saturn Sl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.