Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 1 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reports
103,000 miles · Aug 14, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SATURN S-SERIES. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SMOKING AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, CONSTANTLY LEAKED ANTIFREEZE, AND THE FAN DID…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SATURN S-SERIES. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SMOKING AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT, CONSTANTLY LEAKED ANTIFREEZE, AND THE FAN DID NOT WORK. THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE IGNITION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10199488
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1998 Saturn S-SERIES Sedan Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year