1995 Saturn SL
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 79 of 355 complaints (22%) mention it.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | vs. 1995 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–2,500 | 2,150–2,500 | 2,250–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 25–28 | 25–29 | 25–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–24 / 31–36 | 21–25 / 31–36 | 21–24 / 31–36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 317–355 | 306–355 | 317–355 | |
| Complaints filed | 355 | 287 | 226 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 77 | 50 | 30 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 6 | 2 | 9 | |
| Injuries reported | 58 | 45 | 29 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1995 Saturn SL have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1995 Saturn SL?
Body, Seats & Latches: 79 of 355 NHTSA complaints (22%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1995 Saturn SL get?
EPA rates it 25–28 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1995 Saturn SL?
EPA estimates $2,250–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg (low) | 31 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 355 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 36 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 342 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 67 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 40 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 27 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 56 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 37 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 41 | 32 | 1 | 21 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 24 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 79 | 30 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
SEATS · Campaign 99V045000 · Mar 17, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE) · Campaign 94V217000 · Nov 22, 1994
Defect: 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."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · Campaign 94V170000 · Sep 22, 1994
Defect: THE STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED CAUSING THE SHAFT TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Consequence: FRACTURE OF THE STEERING GEAR PINION SHAFT CAUSES COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING ASSEMBLY.