1999 Saturn SL engine and engine cooling problems
45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1999 Saturn SL — 25% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Oil keeps collecting in the water reservoir seems to have developed the problem very suddenly took it to a garage and the head mechanic said this is a common problem with saturns so I am wondering if this is something of a design flaw that needs to be addressed,and the public needs to be informed…”
filed Jul 30, 2008
“Once my saturn sl as at least 2 others that I know of that own this same type of vehicle, hit 100k miles or just slightly over, the head gasket blows. I loved the car until this point and would have purchased another if this wasn't a common issue with saturns. *tr”
filed Jul 27, 2007
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other SL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 SL | 16 | 12% |
| 2001 SL | 18 | 16% |
| 2000 SL | 34 | 23% |
| 1998 SL | 28 | 17% |
| 1997 SL | 38 | 17% |
| 1996 SL | 63 | 22% |
| 1995 SL | 67 | 19% |
| 1994 SL | 38 | 13% |
| 1993 SL | 30 | 17% |
| 1992 SL | 24 | 20% |
| 1991 SL | 2 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1999 Saturn SL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.