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1991 Saturn SLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 1991 Saturn SL, most often about the seat belts. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

86
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years84% below the SL median · #12 of 12 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints296 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem12Seat belts

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 9, 2005. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 Saturn SL has problems

29 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Seat belts122
Seats41
Electrical system31
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Engine and engine cooling20
Vehicle speed control20
Wheels10
Power train10
Steering10
3 other systems31

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1991 Saturn SL recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 93V-132 · Aug 10, 1993 · 352,833 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saturn.

Best & worst years

1991 vs. every other SL year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SL median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1991 Saturn SL safety ratings

1991 Saturn SL 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1991 Saturn SL, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FR SEATBACK RECLINER FAILSEA93016 · closed Jul 26, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What SL owners report

Recent seat belts complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER PASSIVE RESTRAIN SEAT BELT LOCKS DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *LA
Complaint 10074438 · May 28, 2004
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH GOING ABOUT (20-25) MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO THE SHOULDER HARNESS DID NOT LOCK. VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. *AK
Complaint 809763 · Mar 6, 1997
RESTRAINT SYSTEM ANALYSIS WAS PERFORMED BY CHP-CENTRAL DIVISION MAIT. THE ANALYSIS INDICATED THE RESTRAINT FAILED AT THE LATCH PLATE CONNECTION TO THE MOTORIZED GUIDE PLATE. THIS REPORT IS BEING FILED FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER BY THE CHP PER OUR DEPARTMENTAL POLICY. *AK
Complaint 735686 · Nov 3, 2000

Own a 1991 SL?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.