Ignition Problems of Saturn SL2

Saturn SL2 owners have reported 10 problems related to ignition (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Ignition problem of the 2002 Saturn SL2

Failure Date: 07/25/2008

I have a Saturn Sl2 and everytime I try to start the car, the key gets stuck and I have to jiggle and push and shove and sit in the hot car for over 15 minutes in the summer heat to start the car. This is after I paid to have two new keys made thinking that would solve the problem. I did some research after being told I need a new ignition barrel and saw that many many many Saturn vehicle owners go through the same thing. . . Why hasn't this issue been addressed by Saturn??? we must we spend so much money on a faulty item? life and gas is so expensive to have to deal with a faulty car that this dealership keeps selling. Please help us!.

See all problems of the 2002 Saturn SL2 🔎.

2 Ignition problem of the 1997 Saturn SL2

Failure Date: 08/15/2007

Started my car, it ran a few seconds, then died. Before I could restart it, smoke started pouring out of the steering column and I smelled an electrical fire. I didn't start it again but found help to disconnect my battery. It's on it's way to the nearby Saturn dealer who refuses to provide me with a loan car. I think this is a very unusual problem, and I've driven a lot of clunkers in the past without having to deal with anything like this.

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3 Ignition problem of the 2001 Saturn SL2

Failure Date: 05/18/2007

My 2001 Saturn Sl2 has had many complaints about ignition lock on discussion boards. I have had problems with it for about a year, but have been able to jiggle it to start. I've been lucky. If this has been such a problem why hasn't there been a recall rather than all the false charges and repairs people have had to pay?.

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4 Ignition problem of the 2002 Saturn SL2

Failure Date: 10/30/2006

At my last service visit, the repair tech recommended the repair/replacement 1 ignition housing bolt -- he stated that without this repair, the car could suddenly "stop where it is and be unsteerable and/or undriveable". (lord help whoever's behind me on the freeway that day!) I've owned 5 vehicles -- manufactured by Ford, Chrysler, Subaru and general motors -- nothing like this has ever happened before. It's also kind of scary to know that the only reason I'm aware of this problem is because I just happened to take my car in for an oil change! questions: if 2 little bolts are that important, shouldn't those areas, instead and/or in addition to, be soldered? is this type of breakage supposed to happen? am I driving "an accident waiting to happen"?.

5 Ignition problem of the 2002 Saturn SL2

Failure Date: 03/17/2006

Put my car in park and was able to pull the key out of the ignition. The car was still running. . . Was able to put the car into gear and drive it. I do not know how long the car has been like this!.

6 Ignition problem of the 1999 Saturn SL2

The plug wires were corroded due to water getting inside.

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7 Ignition problem of the 1996 Saturn SL2

Spark plugs and wires replaced due to improper gapping from factory.

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8 Ignition problem of the 1996 Saturn SL2

Spark plugs and wires failed .

9 Ignition problem of the 1996 Saturn SL2

Ignition key sticking.

10 Ignition problem of the 1996 Saturn SL2

Spark plugs failed.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Saturn SL2


SL2 Service Bulletins
SL2 Safety Recalls