2002 Saturn SL power train problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2002 Saturn SL — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 2002 saturn sl vehicle purchased in 7/2016. I'm having problems starting my vehicle. Both starter and battery have both been checked out ok. All spark plugs were replaced on 10/31/18. After these repairs, when started it still made very noisy sounds coming from the engine. Now I can't get…”
filed Dec 19, 2018
“Saturn is an l200 series/there was only the ls on your list.numerous occasions of engine stall while traveling at all speeds. Called saturn/said vin not accepted? Live in florida keys/had to go to miami & get tail lamp fixed/only lasted two weeks (this was before engine stall) & call to saturn. Am…”
filed Oct 10, 2014
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
PI1394B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2024
Power Train problems in other SL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 SL | 20 | 18% |
| 2000 SL | 35 | 24% |
| 1999 SL | 22 | 12% |
| 1998 SL | 33 | 20% |
| 1997 SL | 23 | 10% |
| 1996 SL | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 SL | 40 | 11% |
| 1994 SL | 35 | 12% |
| 1993 SL | 26 | 15% |
| 1992 SL | 13 | 11% |
| 1991 SL | 1 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 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.