Saturn's lineup has 192 recorded NHTSA recalls across 14 models (1991–2010) and averages 4.0/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Saturn's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Are Saturn cars reliable?
Short answer: yes, on balance. Across 14 Saturn models we score on NHTSA data, the average comes to 4.0 out of 5, and 11 of them sit at 4★ or better. That's the lineup as a whole — individual model years vary far more than the badge does.
The strongest thing Saturn builds by our score is the L200 at 4.5★, and the weakest the SW at 3.5★. Owners complain about the steering more than anything else, while the most recalled system is exterior lighting.
A brand average can't tell you whether that car on the forecourt was wrecked, clocked or sitting on an unclaimed recall. Run its number through our free VIN check — that's the part the badge can't answer.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Saturn — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Saturn builds one of the most recognized vehicle lineups on the road. Decode any Saturn VIN below, or pick a model to see its recalls, reliability, specs, MPG and safety by year.
Buying or selling? See what used Saturn models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Saturn models 14
Every Saturn model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Saturn SUVs & crossovers 3
Saturn Cars & sedans 8
Saturn Minivans & vans 1
Saturn Wagons 1
Saturn More models 1
Saturn recalls
Across the Saturn lineup, ForCar tracks 192 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Saturn recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Saturn model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saturn Ion | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Saturn SL | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Saturn Outlook | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Saturn Aura | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Saturn SC | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Saturn SKY | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Saturn LS | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Saturn SW | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Saturn Vue | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Saturn Relay | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Saturn: Exterior Lighting. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Saturn reliable?
Across rated models, Saturn averages a 4.0/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 11 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Saturn models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Saturn model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saturn Ion | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Saturn Vue | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Saturn SL | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Saturn Aura | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Saturn Outlook | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Saturn SKY | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Saturn LS | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Saturn SC | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Saturn SW | 3.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Saturn Astra | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Saturn models
The most fuel-efficient Saturn models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Saturn Aura | Car | |
| 02 | Saturn SC | Car | |
| 03 | Saturn SL | Car | |
| 04 | Saturn SW | Car | |
| 05 | Saturn Vue | Car | |
| 06 | Saturn Astra | Car | |
| 07 | Saturn Ion | Car | |
| 08 | Saturn L200 | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Saturn models
NHTSA safety rankings for Saturn are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Saturn hybrids & electric models
Saturn's electrified lineup — 2 hybrids. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Saturn hybrids 2
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Saturn window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Saturn's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Saturn window stickers →How to read a Saturn VIN
Every Saturn built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Saturn and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. See exactly what your VIN decodes to: model year, assembly plant, country of origin and the full 2001–2026 year-code table.
About Saturn
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | USA |
| Parent company | General Motors |
| Models tracked | 14 (1991–2010) |
Saturn — frequently asked
How do I decode a Saturn VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Saturn models are there?
ForCar tracks 14 Saturn models spanning 1991–2010. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Saturn made?
Saturn is headquartered in USA, founded in 1985. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Saturn recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Saturn model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Saturn is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Saturn warranty?
New Saturn vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Saturn dealer.