Vehicles / Saturn / SL / 2002

2002 Saturn SL

131 federal complaints (154 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 225 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 12 model years of the Saturn SL →
Engine
1.9L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
24 city / 34 hwy
Federal complaints
131
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
44
Power train
22
Engine & cooling
22
Brakes
10
Seats
9
Air bags
9
Steering
8
Tires
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

44 complaint records3 fire reports2 crash reports
"IGNITION REQUIRES KEY JIGGLE IN ORDER TO START. ELECTRICAL ISSUES SUCH AS CONSTANT SHORTS, MAJOR FAILURE IN SUPPORTING SYSTEMS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Power train

22 complaint records1 fire report
"WHEN PUTTING THE GEAR SHIFT IN REVERSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

22 complaint records1 crash report
"VEHICLE REPEATEDLY LOSES POWER AND SHUTS OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEED. DRIVER IS NOT ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE FOR A FEW MINUTES. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2002031
2002-02-21
Brakes64Certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. These vehicles were assembled with an inadequate weld at the brake pedal pad to brake pedal actuator arm assembly.
2002009
2002-01-17
Seats And Restraints90Certain vehicles fail to comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards no. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and no.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP5601C
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
18-NA-099
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
24-NA-098
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
10-08-45-001H
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
16-NA-383
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
22-NA-074
Feb 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
02-08-42-001J
Jan 2024
Exterior LightingThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
PI1394B
Jan 2024
Power TrainThis PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
17-NA-170
Oct 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
10-00-89-006J
Sep 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
18-NA-073
Aug 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
17-NA-170
Apr 2023
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
19-NA-219
Apr 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
19-NA-219
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
22-NA-009
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
99-01-37-009C
Mar 2023
EquipmentThis service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-up.
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
01-08-42-001O
Feb 2023
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
22-NA-074
Nov 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
10-00-89-006I
Oct 2022
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
22-NA-009
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
22-NA-009
Jun 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
22-NA-074
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
22-NA-009
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
22NA009
Jan 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
010842001N
Jun 2021
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
100089006H
May 2021
EquipmentThis service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIP5358A
May 2021
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
PIP5640A
Apr 2021
WheelsThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
PIP5163E
Mar 2021
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
18NA099
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
PIP5540G
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components.
PIP5725A
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant reductions in driving and fuel use.
PIP5628C
Oct 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
18NA099
Aug 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
PIT5099E
Jul 2020
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
PIP5226D
Jul 2020
EngineThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller rockers to inspect them. Only replace the roller rocker that is missing needle bearings.
PIC5453D
Jul 2020
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales.
PIC5453C
Jun 2020
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales.
PIP5628B
May 2020
EngineThis Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
PIP5725
May 2020
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant reductions in driving and fuel use.
16NA383
May 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
PIT3099T
Feb 2020
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories.
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP5540F
Jan 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components.
16NA383
Jan 2020
EquipmentThis informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon...
19NA273
Dec 2019
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
100089009D
Nov 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis informational bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications.
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
010842001M
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
100089006G
Oct 2019
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
PIP5540E
Oct 2019
EngineThis Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components.
PIP5601A
Oct 2019
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair.
100089009C
Oct 2019
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on key code security and information on GM key code look up applications.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIT3099S
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIT3099R
Jul 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories.
100845001G
Jun 2019
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Showing 60 of 225 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Saturn SL →