3.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,105 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Saturn SL engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Saturn SL:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Saturn SL Owner Comments

problem #7

Feb 012009

SL 4-cyl

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn Sl. Whenever the contact starts the vehicle, the ignition control module fails and the ignition will not start. She had new keys made, but this did not correct the issue. During the failure, the check engine indicator remains illuminated and will not dim. The failure has been occurring for over a year. The contact must wiggle the keys for at least fifteen to thirty minutes before the vehicle will start. The dealer has not been notified. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 3/19/09 the consumer also stated the engine idles very high. Over 4000 RPM/ updated 03/25/09.

- Bynum, TX, USA

problem #6

Jan 132008

SL

  • 87,000 miles
2002 Saturn SL2 timing chain broke and damaged engine valves.

- Amity Harbor, NY, USA

problem #5

Nov 012005

SL 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 59,736 miles
Intake manifold gasket.

- Youngsville, NC, USA

problem #4

Apr 012005

SL 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2002 Saturn SL2 stalled then vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle begun to smoke then ignited.

- Pasadena , TX, USA

problem #3

Aug 012003

SL

  • miles
Upon starting the vehicle it overheated. Once turning it off, and upon trying to start it again, idle dropped to zero, and vehicle stalled intermittently. Also, dash lights illuminated. Consumer contacted the dealer more than four times for this problem. Dealer stated that there was a bad sensor. However, problem recurred.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #2

Feb 132004

SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle repeatedly loses power and shuts off at highway speed. Driver is not able to restart vehicle for a few minutes.

- Plainfield, NJ, USA

problem #1

Apr 292004

SL

  • miles
While pulling into garage consumer removed foot from gas pedal and vehicle drifted on a slight incline. Consumer applied the brakes to stop vehicle from rolling backwards. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine did not have torque power in order to pull the vehicle, and vehicle was working properly as designed.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

Not what you are looking for?