1999 Saturn Sl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Saturn Sl: 1 recall, 178 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #99V280000 · 1999 · 265,698 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10), leaks (9), warning light on (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (28): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9), brake failure / soft pedal (7).
- Transmission & drivetrain (22): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (10).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (3).
The 1999 Saturn Sl has 178 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 12 Sl model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 185). Complaints peaked in 2003 (32 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (168 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (148 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | 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 1999 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Saturn Sl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 Saturn Sl, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 1999 Saturn Sl problems?
Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (45), brakes (hydraulic) (28), transmission & drivetrain (22).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Saturn Sl get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 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.