The Lemon Index
20012nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: engine
Better years to buy
96 owner complaints, first 3 years 26–29 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2000 Ford Taurus 1112000 Toyota Avalon 702000 Volkswagen Golf 225
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 14 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09E012000 (lights), 00V310000 (transmission & drivetrain) and 00V309000 (fuel system, gasoline) done? It has 8 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Saturn's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 96 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 40K to 57K miles (64K to 93K km) on the car (14 of all 96 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
When the consumer started the vehicle, the oil light illuminated, the vehicle was towed to the dealership, who stated the oil pump failed.
2000 Saturn SL owner · NHTSA complaint 10027114
More owner reports
The vehicle caught on fire. The cause was unknown.
NHTSA complaint 10020256
Engine would make a grinding sound after driving it for a while. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.
NHTSA complaint 8016339
Recalls 8
- Lights · recall issued 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.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMA…
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL …
Show all 8 recalls
- Body structure · recall issued 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT …
- Seat belts · recall issued 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Brakes · recall issued 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Body structure · recall issued 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Unknown or other · recall issued 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,050–$2,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.9L 4-cyl.
Every Saturn SL year. 2000 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/saturn-sl/?y=2000" title="Saturn SL reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="284" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/saturn-sl/2000/">Lemon Index</a> (2000 Saturn SL reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2000 Saturn SL reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The Saturn SL year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2001.
What are the most common 2000 Saturn SL problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (21%), transmission & drivetrain (17%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn SL have?
8 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Saturn SL get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2000 Saturn SL have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2000 Saturn SL cost in fuel a year?
About $2,050 to $2,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2000 Saturn SL have?
1.9L 4-cyl.
What Saturn SL year is better than the 2000?
Nearby, the 2001 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works