1995 Saturn Sl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1995 Saturn Sl: 3 recalls, 355 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #94V170000 · 1994 · 931 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering gear pinion shaft was improperly heat treated causing the shaft to fracture during vehicle operation.
Why it matters: Fracture of the steering gear pinion shaft causes complete loss of steering control which can result in an accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the manual steering assembly.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #94V217000 · 1994 · 20,518 vehicles
What's wrong: The automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly was improperly adjusted making it possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed, or remove the ignition key with the shift lever in a position other than "park." this does not meet the requirements of fmvss 114, "theft protection."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: unintended vehicle movement can occur which could result in an accident.
The fix: Consumers are being asked to inspect the park lock cable. If it does not perform correctly, dealers will make the necessary adjustments.
Seats Vehicle recall #99V045000 · 1999 · 138,691 vehicles
What's wrong: Some front seat back recliner gear teeth May wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
Why it matters: If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 57 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seats (69): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (67): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), leaks (12), noise or vibration (8).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (51): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (14), noise or vibration (7).
- Transmission & drivetrain (40): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (13), leaks (4), noise or vibration (3).
The 1995 Saturn Sl has 355 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 12 Sl model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sl year). Complaints peaked in 1996 (53 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 100,400 miles. Neighboring years: 1994 (286 complaints, 1 recalls), 1996 (287 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1995 Saturn Sl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1995 Saturn Sl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1995 Saturn Sl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1995 Saturn Sl problems?
Owners have filed 355 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seats (69), engine & cooling (67), brakes (hydraulic) (51).
What gas mileage does the 1995 Saturn Sl get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1995 Saturn Sl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.