2000 Saturn SL recalls
Problem: 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.
Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.
Risk: Fuel spillage could occur during refueling or if the vehicle were involved in a rollover. If an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
6,092 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Power Train · NHTSA 00V310000 · Oct 12, 2000
Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles were built with an improperly adjusted automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly. If improperly adjusted, it is possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed.
Risk: This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
Fix: Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted. If owners are not comfortable performing the functional check themselves, they can have their dealer perform this…
65,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Structure · NHTSA 99V297000 · Oct 27, 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a console armrest fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." the armrests were produced with a latch that will not withstand the vertical force requirements of the standard.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the latch may open and the armrest or the contents of the console could injure an occupant.
Fix: Dealers will replace the console armrest latch.
7,505 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Seat Belts · NHTSA 99V280000 · Oct 20, 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
Fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
265,698 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." these vehicles were produced with brake pipe attachment nuts that may not be tightened to specifications.
Risk: If the brake pipe nuts are not properly tightened, brake fluid leakage could occur, increasing the brake's stopping distance.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake pipe nuts for leakage, verify they are tightened to specifications, and replace the brake pipes if needed.
5,373 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Structure · NHTSA 99V232000 · Aug 23, 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 581, "bumper standard." these vehicles were produced with rear bumper fasteners that may be loose or missing.
Risk: If the fasteners are loose or missing, the rear bumper may not absorb energy as it was designed to do in the event of a rear end collision.
Fix: Dealers will verify that the rear bumper beam fasteners are present and properly tightened and, if missing, install new fasteners.
1,592 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Unknown or Other · NHTSA 99V230000 · Aug 23, 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were manufactured with welds in the instrument panel carrier assembly that do not meet saturn quality standards.
Risk: A front seat occupant, particularly an unbelted occupant, may have an increased risk of injury in a frontal crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the vehicle's instrument panel carrier assembly.
2,692 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Wheels · Jul 13, 2018 · 120,000 miles · CA · crash · 3 injured
Hit mountain head on and car rolled and air bags did not deploy. Rear tire and drum broke off car while doing 50 mile per hour
Air Bags · Jul 13, 2018 · 120,000 miles · CA · crash · 3 injured
Hit mountain head on and car rolled and air bags did not deploy. Rear tire and drum broke off car while doing 50 mile per hour
Service Brakes · Jun 18, 2016 · ME
There is no issue with my brake light bulb it is not burnt out. All the fuses have been checked over by qualified salesperson who had shown me that my that my brake light was still working, and yet my brake light does not work. I am afraid of driving at night, and worry constantly that I will be stopped during the day, as I don't have any explanation as to why this one…
Engine · Dec 5, 2014 · 150,000 miles · PA
The timing chain went out and needs replaced. The engine cranks but will not turn over. Our mechanic told US we're looking at a $1000 plus repair. *tr
Electrical System · Oct 27, 2014 · IA
Soon after purchasing the vehicle we started having problems with the ignition switch. Sometimes it was very difficult to even start the car as the switch would be frozen in place. After some play with the steering wheel it would work. Then there were times you could not turn the vehicle off without several attempts. We tried to take the car to a mechanic to see if it could be…
Electrical System · Sep 23, 2014 · 110,000 miles · MD
I turned my car into a parking lot, and the engine suddenly just quit working. After several minutes I was able to restart the car, it also happened again while I was stopped at a red light, and again when I made a left turn into another park lot,all on the same day in less than 1 1/2 hours total time. I have had this problem repeatedly over the last about seven years. I was…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 15, 2014 · PA
Car will turn over and immediately stall. This will continue for approx. 10 to 15 min.each time you turn the key,it will turn over and immediately stall. As if there is no gas going to the fuel injectors; or the fuel injectors stop . No mechanic can seem to find the problem since it never happens when I'm at the repair shop. Like I said when this problem happens, it will last…
Electrical System · Sep 12, 2014 · 96,000 miles · NJ
Key falls out of ignition while driving! This needs to be recalled with all of the other GM vehicles. This is a danger and someone is going to get seriously injured! Step up GM and fix the cost cutting corners you cut and put your customers at risk! *tr
Engine · Sep 12, 2014 · 96,000 miles · NJ
Key falls out of ignition while driving! This needs to be recalled with all of the other GM vehicles. This is a danger and someone is going to get seriously injured! Step up GM and fix the cost cutting corners you cut and put your customers at risk! *tr
Power Train · Sep 12, 2014 · 96,000 miles · NJ
Roll pin on retainer in transmission differential sheered off causing the retaining pin to wear through the bell housing and seize transmission. A roll pin is like using a rivet to hold a very important mechanical component together. This is another horrible GM design. This is an accident waiting to happen. $2300 later to replace the transmission. *tr
Power Train · Sep 5, 2014 · 44,500 miles · WI
Just wanting to let you know that when the car is moving or still, I can move the shift from d to n without having to press the button to unlock the shifter. Same can be said from n to r. I've never tried it when it's moving, but when the car is stopped, I can push it from d to r. That would be quite interesting to try if it were someone else's car. This was first noticed…
Steering · Sep 5, 2014 · 80,000 miles · CA
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn sl. The contact stated that while traveling at unknown speeds, the key could be removed and the vehicle would continue to operate as normal. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire ignition system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired.…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2000 Saturn SL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls covering the 2000 Saturn SL, the most recent one (09E012000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Saturn SL?
Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are engine and engine cooling (36), power train (36), electrical system (30).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2000 Saturn SL?
Owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires, 14 injuries and 3 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.