2002 Saturn SL

The 2002 Saturn SL is a compact sedan known for its fuel efficiency and dent-resistant polymer body panels. The base engine for the SL was a 2.2L Inline 4-cylinder engine producing approximately 100 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 124 horsepower version of the 2.2L engine was also available. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the car’s practicality, affordability, and relatively low maintenance costs, but dislike its somewhat bland styling, basic interior, and limited performance compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.2L Inline 4-Cylinder (100 hp / 126 lb-ft)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket or rear main seal, resulting in oil consumption, oil spots under the car, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 (valve cover gasket), $300 - $700+ (rear main seal)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the water pump or radiator. Can cause the engine to overheat.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (water pump), $300 - $600 (radiator)
  • Recalls: None Found

2.2L Inline 4-Cylinder (124 hp / 142 lb-ft)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket or rear main seal, resulting in oil consumption, oil spots under the car, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 (valve cover gasket), $300 - $700+ (rear main seal)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the water pump or radiator. Can cause the engine to overheat.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (water pump), $300 - $600 (radiator)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting between gears, especially when cold. May be accompanied by unusual noises.
  • Solution: Fluid change, or replacement of the transmission if the issue persists.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (fluid change), $1500 - $3000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll in corners, and longer stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (for all four)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or during braking. Can cause vague steering and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working or operate intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights dim or flicker.
  • Solution: Check and replace any damaged or corroded bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 - $50 per bulb
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Polymer Panel Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: While dent-resistant, the polymer panels can crack or be otherwise damaged in significant impacts, requiring specialized repair.
  • Solution: Body panel repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on damage, $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (replacement), $50 - $150 (cover)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the backing and sags down.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Saturn SL, while generally reliable, can suffer from a range of issues as it ages. The most common issues revolve around engine oil leaks, coolant leaks, transmission shifting problems, and suspension wear. Electrical gremlins with power windows and headlight issues can also occur. Interior issues, such as dashboard cracking and headliner sagging, are also common. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more serious mechanical failures that can be costly to repair. Overall, the cost of repairs can vary widely, but some of the more significant repairs, such as transmission replacement or body panel work, can be quite expensive.