One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 1998 Saturn SL2. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
For the past 2-3 years I have had a massive oil consumption problem with my Saturn Sl2 '98. I brought it to two Saturn dealerships who told me that I had no leak nor was my car burning oil, in essence that I was imagining this problem. In July of 2003, the problem had gotten so bad that I was adding oil every 100 miles, then the car broke down and I brought it to a Saturn dealership. They said it was the timing belt/gasket and I replaced them on their recommendation that it would fix all the problems - cost $1000. The car continues to consume massive amounts of oil and regularly exhibits a burning smell. I brought it to a Saturn dealer last week who now tells me that the cam cover is cracked and needs to be replaced; however, he told me that I probably indeed have significant engine damage as a result of my many oil problems that this repair will not fix. I have worked my way up the Saturn corporate complaint system and I cannot get anyone to either pay for the repair, reimburse me for the previous repair or even acknowledge the underlying engine problem. Originally, I thought that this was a just me getting a "lemon" but after researching the problem my concern is much much greater. Specifically, there are numerous (well over 100) complaints on various internet cites about the same problem - everyone has massive oil consumption and many people's engines have actually caught on fire as a result of low oil. They have also tried to get Saturn to acknowledge the problem with the engines and to no avail. I am now afraid to drive the car for fear of it catching on fire. I would like the NHTSA to investigate the problems with Saturn engines and oil consumption. I am an attorney and plan to pursue my own case against Saturn for the cost of my repairs, but really feel like is a safety issue and that Saturn or the NHTSA needs to issue a warning to consumers to keep careful watch on their engines.