2002 Saturn SL engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 22 complaints for the 2002 Saturn SL, 14% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 22 14% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 87,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 11 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 87,000 miles, and 36% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
My son had an accident involving 3 other vehicles. The motor of the 2002 saturn sl1 in which he was driving stalled as he exited the highway onto a service road. Once the engine stalled,he did not have the ability to steer or stop the vehicle. As a result, he struck 2 vehicles that were stopped at a red light causing a chain reaction. The second vehicle that he struck hit the vehicle in front of it. The airbags deployed in the vehicle my son drove. The right side of vehicle 1 sustained damage.
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 69yr old female/afraid to use car/paid for all sorts of repairs/modules/sensors???and more. No one in keys to repair via GM - saturn said miami only. Roundtrip over 200 miles.
Other problems reported for the 2002 Saturn SL
- Electrical system 44 complaints
- Transmission 18 complaints