NHTSA — Vehicle Speed Control Problems

3.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,989 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Saturn SL engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Saturn SL Owner Comments

problem #9

Oct 222012

SL 4-cyl

  • 341,900 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

With the cruise control in the off position, the cruise control engaged and went to full throttle. When the clutch pedal was depressed the cruise control dis-engaged. This happened five times, the cruise control unit has since been disabled.

- Alta Loma, CA, USA

problem #8

Jan 152003

SL

  • miles
The vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #7

May 202001

SL

  • miles
Faulty cruise control module caused the cruise control to re-engage after the cruise control switch was moved to the off position. Nlm

- Asheboro, NC, USA

problem #6

May 222001

SL

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and had cruise control on, cruise control wouldn't let up. She turned cruise control off, and she applied brakes. It took ten minutes to stop.

- Bufflo\, NY, USA

problem #5

Jul 211999

SL

  • miles
While driving vehicle w/emergency brakes on of had no knowledge. Was coming off freeway & was applying brakes, vehicle failed to slow down or stop. Started to suddenly accelerate. Turned vehicle off. Had it towed to dealer & found back brakes burnt out. Orginial brakes checked & was not burnt out. Owner has brake parts.

- Montrose, CA, USA

problem #4

Jul 211999

SL

  • miles
While driving vehicle and approaching an intersection vehicle commenced to accelerate. Consumer had to do some tricky driving to avoid hitting other vehicles. Vehicle was traveling approximately one mile or more before consumer was able to get it under control. Also no brakes were available at that time. Forgot to ask if speed control was engaged. Please respond to that question.. dealer/ mfr. Were not notified at that time. Can NHTSA help in this matter.

- Habor City, CA, USA

problem #3

May 201998

SL

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

For approx. 7 month period, cruise control erratic. When on highway, with cruise power on, and press set speed, car rapidly accelerates to approx. 72+ mph and cruise would disengage spontaneously. After each incident like this, cruise would not function at all until car is turned off and on again. Typical behavior: Get on highway, get to 60 - 65 mph, turn cruise control power on, press to set speed, and car accelerates rapidly. All this behavior stopped spontaneously in December, and now cruise functions normally. I am worried that behavior, which lasted 7 months, will re-occur in the future.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #2

Jan 021999

SL

  • miles
Vehicle parked over night. Got in & started vehicle. The throttle opened wide. Had not shifted into gear. The rpms revved up high. Throttle did not shut down after depressing accelerator pedal. Had to turn vehicle off.

- Glenwood, IL, USA

problem #1

Nov 131996

(reported on)

SL

  • miles
While driving in a parking space the car suddenly accelerated and went onto the sidewalk and bent the rim.

- German Town, MD, USA

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