1996 Saturn SL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1996 Saturn SL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Saturn SL. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual steering. the pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system load conditions, such as parking lot or similar low speed maneuvers.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in the pinion gear disengaging from the rack causing a loss of steering control.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
Owner complaints
287 complaints50 involved a crash2 involved a fire45 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
First problem IS door chimes with key out of ignition. Second problem IS dome light stays on in front or rear position with all doors shut. Third problem IS no power at all to the cab when I tried to start car, and then my passenger opened and shut the passenger front door and the power came back on and I was able to start the car. I had to reset the clock and radio.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. While making a right turn at 20 mph, the steering wheel turned right and left independently. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear driver side of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained muscular pain that required…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. While making a right turn at 20 mph, the steering wheel turned right and left independently. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear driver side of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained muscular pain that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 97v138000 (steering); however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was 166,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated and the horn became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring and the module needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated and the horn became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring and the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine
I noticed that the temperature gauge would go 3/4 towards the red. if I am stopping at a light, the temperature gauge keep going 3/4 towards the red, then goes back very slowly to the middle. I have been informed that I would need to replace my gasket. this would cost approximately $1,200. *tr
- Air bags
I was in a broad side collision (t-bone) type accident where I hit another driver after she turned in front of me causing this collision and no air bags deployed my seatbelt locked causing me to have severe nerve damage in my neck on the left side, my left leg now has injury from this accident needless to say I will have this lifelong problem stemming from this accident. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. the contact stated that the ignition key was very difficult to turn when the contact attempted to start the vehicle. the contact also stated that the engine would not shut off when the key was in the ignition. The failure was recurring over a two year…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. the contact stated that the ignition key was very difficult to turn when the contact attempted to start the vehicle. the contact also stated that the engine would not shut off when the key was in the ignition. The failure was recurring over a two year period. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system), however, the vehicle was not included. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
- Electrical system › Horn
The horn does not work. when I looked up a recall this IS what I found.: recall date:12-07-1998 units potentially affected:64,199 nhtsa campaign number:98v307000 defective part or component:communications:horn assembly description:vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were…
The horn does not work. when I looked up a recall this IS what I found.: recall date:12-07-1998 units potentially affected:64,199 nhtsa campaign number:98v307000 defective part or component:communications:horn assembly description:vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were produced or serviced with a horn assembly which could fail. The horn could either become inoperable or activate without the driver pressing the horn button. Under certain conditions, heat can build up within the assembly and an underhood fire could result. Dealers will replace the horn assembly. when I called the dealer cole gilmore in portage, michigan. I was told there IS no recall for this vehicle for this problem. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
1996 saturn SL2, a vehicle defect caused the driver to lose control and strike the concrete barrier. *bf the left front strut broke which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. the driver suffered minor injuries. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0304-91)*jb updated 08/05/10 *bf
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2. While driving less than 10 mph and engaging the brake pedal the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. In order to stop the acceleration, the contact had shift into neutral gear and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2. While driving less than 10 mph and engaging the brake pedal the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. In order to stop the acceleration, the contact had shift into neutral gear and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact had the coolant temperature sensor harness replaced. There were no prior warnings. The failure mileage was 76,824. updated 02/17/10. *Lj updated 02/18/10
- Power train
On his way to work on sept. 16, 2008, my boyfriend heard a strange sound and then lost use of 2,4,R gears. In morning rush hour traffic on us 1, he continued to work with the use of 1,3 gears. We troubleshoot online and through friends with mechanical experience and temporarily used a zip tie…
On his way to work on sept. 16, 2008, my boyfriend heard a strange sound and then lost use of 2,4,R gears. In morning rush hour traffic on us 1, he continued to work with the use of 1,3 gears. We troubleshoot online and through friends with mechanical experience and temporarily used a zip tie confirming that the defective part was the shift cable bushing. Local stores do not carry the part as it IS carried by dealer only. Saturn does not sell the part without the entire assembly (manual transmission shift cable bushing with clip part # 14043) and has priced without installation at $198.00. The parts manager did not even ask me for the model, said he has plenty in stock and that there IS a minimum 3 hour installation with labor priced at $95/HR. He also stated that as this IS a common defect he has known of people to use zip ties and their own nut/bolt system to remedy. Upon further internet research I have found thousands of complaints for the same exact problem, some owners with unfortunate outcomes. It IS a blessing that I was not driving that day with my 2 young children, as I probably would have lost control of the vehicle! It IS amazing to me that saturn has been allowed to sell such dangerous vehicles with no recall! More horrifying IS that I found the part at napa auto parts for $19.95 and saturn insists on selling the entire assembly taking advantage of people who just don't know better. This reeks of scam to the criminal level!!!!!!! *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL1. when making left turns at various speeds, the steering tightens. when making right turns, the steering becomes loose. the dealer performed a diagnostic and informed the contact that she should not have driven the vehicle because it was very unsafe. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL1. when making left turns at various speeds, the steering tightens. when making right turns, the steering becomes loose. the dealer performed a diagnostic and informed the contact that she should not have driven the vehicle because it was very unsafe. the gears fell apart internally. the contact attempted to locate cheaper parts when he discovered a recall related to his year, make, and model vehicle; however, the dealer stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer stated that the recall did not apply to saturn vehicles. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were approximately 150,000.
- Electrical system › Horn
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL1. while driving the vehicle at various speeds, the horn activates without the driver pressing the horn button. as a consequence, in certain conditions, heat can build up within the assembly and an underhood fire could occur. the contact called the dealer and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL1. while driving the vehicle at various speeds, the horn activates without the driver pressing the horn button. as a consequence, in certain conditions, heat can build up within the assembly and an underhood fire could occur. the contact called the dealer and IS waiting for an inspection. he IS in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 85,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. the vehicle was leaking oil on the ground and all over the cooling system. the temperature gauge kept fluctuating into the red zone. the check engine soon light illuminated intermittently and the vehicle began to drive differently. the dealer stated that…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL. the vehicle was leaking oil on the ground and all over the cooling system. the temperature gauge kept fluctuating into the red zone. the check engine soon light illuminated intermittently and the vehicle began to drive differently. the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was a cracked cylinder head. the cost to repair the vehicle was $2,257. the contact received a special policy letter from saturn in june of 1999 concerning a cracked cylinder head. the letter stated that there was no recall campaign and it was unnecessary to take the vehicle to a dealer. the current mileage was 73,000 and failure mileage was 63,000. updated 05/06/08. *Lj updated 05/06/08. *Jb
- Electrical system › Horn
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2 sedan. on march 16, 2008, the horn started to blow without warning. the circuit breaker was disconnected to stop the horn from blowing. the national service center stated that the recall did not apply to the vin; however, they later stated that they had no…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2 sedan. on march 16, 2008, the horn started to blow without warning. the circuit breaker was disconnected to stop the horn from blowing. the national service center stated that the recall did not apply to the vin; however, they later stated that they had no record of the recall. an independent mechanic replaced the horn. the mechanic stated that the motor in the horn was defective. the vin, recall number, and engine size were unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 120,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2. the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated intermittently and was taken to the dealer. the dealer discovered that the spark plugs were set at different specifications, which was the cause of failure. the speed was unknown. the current mileage was 175,000 and failure mileage was 148,000.
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2. while driving 20 mph around a curve, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. the tie rod end was replaced approximately two years before the crash with an aftermarket part, manufactured by…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn SL2. while driving 20 mph around a curve, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. the tie rod end was replaced approximately two years before the crash with an aftermarket part, manufactured by trw automotive (part number es3238). the contact felt that the crash was caused by the disengagement of the tie rod end. the current and failure mileages were 150,000. updated 02-01-08 *bf the consumer stated between the ball and socket steering ability was completely lost. Updated 02/01/08 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I am losing a lot of oil. I spoke with my mechanic he stated that a lot of times it IS the valve cover gasket, so he changed it. The car IS still losing a lot of oil. About a quart every 400 miles. I started researching on my own and have found that several saturn owners are complaining about the same issue. *Jb
- Electrical system › Horn
1996 saturn SL2. horn turns on by itself and won't turn off, had to unplug it. have spoken to many people on the internet with the same problem, some of the people had the horn short out and cause a fire. I've almost been run off the road a few times because I couldn't honk the horn when someone…
1996 saturn SL2. horn turns on by itself and won't turn off, had to unplug it. have spoken to many people on the internet with the same problem, some of the people had the horn short out and cause a fire. I've almost been run off the road a few times because I couldn't honk the horn when someone was changing lanes and didn't see me. very, very dangerous. many people had to replace their horn more than 3 times. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Suspension › Front
1. High revving on idle manual trans 2. Front end noise manual trans p/s similar to other recall worn out ? *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
TL* - the contact would like to make a complaint concerning the brakes on 1996 saturn SL2. the contact stated that she was driving 35 mph when she was cut off by another car. she then applied the brake pedal which gave no resistance. the contact stated that before being cut off the brakes did…
TL* - the contact would like to make a complaint concerning the brakes on 1996 saturn SL2. the contact stated that she was driving 35 mph when she was cut off by another car. she then applied the brake pedal which gave no resistance. the contact stated that before being cut off the brakes did work. the contact stated that the car finally stopped after she pumped the brakes. the contact continued to drive at approximately 5 mph until she reached her destination and had the car towed to a saturn dealership. the contact stated that this brake failure occurred approximately december 5, 2006. the contact stated that it was a nice day, and that the weather was not a factor. the contact pulled muscles in her body, and was currently on muscle relaxants. the contact asked the saturn dealer for the damaged parts and was told that the parts were thrown away. the contact also stated that she has had problems with the brakes pulsating and going all the way down to the floor since she purchased the car. the contact stated had brake work done in 2001 at 36,000 miles, the brake calipers had failed. the contact was referred to nhtsa by the rhode island state attorney's office. *ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion steering failed completely while vehicle was in operation. *jb
- Parking brake
I have a 1996 saturn SL1. one day I went to pull up the parking brake and found that the little button had popped off and landed on the dash, the spring ended up on the floor. the button IS plastic and one side that latched in to keep it in place apparently broke. to use the parking brake I…
I have a 1996 saturn SL1. one day I went to pull up the parking brake and found that the little button had popped off and landed on the dash, the spring ended up on the floor. the button IS plastic and one side that latched in to keep it in place apparently broke. to use the parking brake I would have to put the spring and button back on and engage the brake, then let it pop off again or just take it off. I haven't been able to replace it yet as I understand they don't sell just the part for the 1996 saturn. *jb
- Electrical system › Horn
Hi, I have a 1996 saturn with vin number [xxx] and there IS a recall nhtsa recall no. 98V307/ gm recall no. 98C01 that applies to saturns of my model built from july 1995 to february 1997. According to saturn the recall only applies to vin number ranging from [xxx]to [xxx], which my vehicles does…
Hi, I have a 1996 saturn with vin number [xxx] and there IS a recall nhtsa recall no. 98V307/ gm recall no. 98C01 that applies to saturns of my model built from july 1995 to february 1997. According to saturn the recall only applies to vin number ranging from [xxx]to [xxx], which my vehicles does not fall. According to saturn, however, my vehicle was built 12/1995, which would be during this period. Since there IS only one plant for which the car could have been built it IS unclear how my vin number does not apply. It seems to me that I may not be the only vehicle that fell through this crack. My horn IS exhibiting the exact failure (horn sticking on) that the recall IS for. Saturn has refused to pay for the repair of the problem. Do I have any recourse through the nhtsa? Thanks. *Jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Equipment · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The fuel line in this car IS exposed at the bottom of the car, and twice now (on 11/3/05 and earlier in 12/2003) the fuel line has ripped and gasoline has spilled onto the ground when trying to start the car. The gasoline spill obviously creates a safety hazard. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Dt: the contact stated the gear shifter broke. She had it repaired by a mechanic. Then, the shifter broke again. The contact's vehicle was involved in an accident as a result of the failure. The aforementioned mechanic was coming to pick up the vehicle for repairs.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10233366This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-up.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 614008Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger seat back cover.
- 609711Front fender chips paint of fascia at forward tip. Yd
- 600228Experiencing a rattle or click noise from the rear of vehicle when turning at slow speeds and/or driving over uneven surfaces.
Every Saturn SL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.