Model year guide

1999 Saturn sl

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Saturn sl is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1999 Saturn sl — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Saturn sl at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints203
Combined26–29 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Saturn sl recalls 2

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Seat Belts:front:anchorage NHTSA Campaign #99V280000 · manufacturer #99067/99-C-02 · 20/10/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 Saturn sl common problems

Owners have filed 203 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Parking Brake
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1999 Saturn sl MPG & running costs

Combined26–29 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,475
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume91 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$375 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Saturn sl costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,375
Fuel only$12,375
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1999 Saturn sl trims & engines on record

Engines
1.9L 4-cyl

1999 Saturn sl vehicles on record

1999 Saturn sl 1999 Saturn sl1G8ZK5273XZ173830

Other Saturn sl model years

2002 2001 1996

1999 Saturn sl — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Saturn sl have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1999 Saturn sl. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saturn sl?

Owners have filed 203 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Saturn sl get?

The 1999 Saturn sl has U.S. EPA estimates of 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.