1996 Saturn Sl problems
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Common 1996 Saturn Sl problems
The Saturn SL 1996 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners.
Another common problem reported by owners is related to the engine. The Saturn SL 1996 has been known to have engine problems, specifically with the timing chain coming into contact with the timing cover and making noise. This issue can be caused by wear and tear on the engine components, and it is recommended to have the engine inspected by a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.
The motor mounts and transmission mounts on the Saturn SL 1996 have also been reported to wear out around 150,000 miles. This can cause vibrations and noise while driving, and it is recommended to replace the mounts to keep problems minimal.
The fuel filter on the Saturn SL 1996 is located along the driver side front fender inside and can be replaced in about 30 minutes. It is recommended to replace the fuel filter regularly to ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
The idle pulley bearings on the Saturn SL 1996 have been known to go out around the 200,000-mile marker. This can cause noise and vibrations while idling, and it is recommended to replace the bearings and the belt while doing so.
The valve cover gasket on the Saturn SL 1996 has been reported to blow, causing oil leaks and reduced engine performance. This issue can be diagnosed by checking for oil leaks around the engine and can be repaired by replacing the valve cover gasket.
In addition to these common problems, the Saturn SL 1996 has also been reported to have issues with the valve body on the transmission, the wheel bearings, and the catalytic converter. It is recommended to have these components inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure optimal engine and transmission performance.
Overall, the Saturn SL 1996 is a reliable and durable car, but like any vehicle, it can have common problems that arise over time. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the car.
What is the top speed of the 1996 Saturn SL1?
Type Front-engine, front-drive, compact sedan. Performance 0-60 m.p.h., as tested, with five-speed manual, 8.7 seconds. Top speed, estimated, 120 m.p.h. Fuel consumption, EPA estimate, city and highway, 25 and 35 m.p.g.
How long do Saturn cars last?
Older Saturns, especially the ones that are approaching 20 years old or older, should only be expected to last for another 3-5 years at most. Saturns that are only 10-11 years old will likely be good for 5-10 more years, but they will have slightly increased maintenance costs that whole time.
Why is my Saturn SL1 not starting?
The most common reasons a Saturn SL1 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Who built Saturn engines?
General Motors
The powerplant used in Saturn S-Series automobiles was a straight-4 aluminum piston engine produced by Saturn, a subsidiary of General Motors.
1996 Saturn Sl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Saturn Sl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Saturn Sl
The NHTSA has received 363 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Saturn Sl. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Saturn Sl vehicles.
2016-01-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-29
- VIN: 1G8ZK5275TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
2015-05-04
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZG5287TZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
2015-01-20
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-18
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
2014-11-17
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-13
- VIN: 1G8ZK5273TZ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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
2014-09-16
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-09
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZG528XTZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2014-05-14
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-09
- VIN: 1G8ZK527XTZ
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
2011-10-24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-24
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5277TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2011-08-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN ION S-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, UNLESS THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND PERFORMED THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
2011-01-24
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH1270TZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SC2(NA). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AT A SLIGHT ANGLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE DRIVER SEAT SNAPPED AND THE SEATBELT FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO FLY FORWARD AND INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. AN INSPECTOR STATED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO BREAK BACKWARDS. A MECHANIC AT A REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE SEAT HAD MOVED FORWARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
2010-07-23
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
2010-01-14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-21
- VIN: 1G8ZK5277TZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
2008-09-18
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-16
- VIN: 1G8ZG5286TZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
2008-05-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-27
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
2008-05-27
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-27
- VIN: 1G8ZF5286TZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
2008-04-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-03
- VIN: 1G8ZH5281TZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
2008-03-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-16
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
2007-09-10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-09
- VIN: 1G8ZK527XTZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
2007-08-03
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5271TZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
2007-07-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-27
- VIN: 1G8ZK527XTZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
2007-03-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-31
- VIN: 1G8ZK5270TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2007-01-08
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-28
- VIN: 1G8ZG528XTZ
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1. HIGH REVVING ON IDLE MANUAL TRANS 2. FRONT END NOISE MANUAL TRANS P/S SIMILAR TO OTHER RECALL WORN OUT ? *NM
2006-12-29
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH1275TZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
2006-09-27
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-21
- VIN: 1G8ZF5285TZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. *JB
2006-06-28
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-23
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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
2006-06-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-06
- VIN: 1G8ZJ5273TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN STARING BLARING WITHOUT DRIVER PRESSING THE HORN BUTTON. ONLY BY DISCONNECTING FUSE DID HORN STOP. *NM
1996 Saturn Sl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Saturn Sl.
2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: 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.
1997-08-29
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Saturn Sl problems:
Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t26257_ds41828
Feb 1, 2007 ... The main problem is oil consumption, they all do it and sometimes it's severe. The single cam engine have issues with head cracking but it's ...
Saturn SL2 Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/saturn/sl2
Top Saturn SL2 Problems · Rubber Transmission Cooler Lines Can Leak Fluid · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Stalling/Charge Light Illumination Due to ...
Saturn S-Series Common problems SOHC versus DOHC?? | Bob Is ...
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/saturn-s-series-common-problems-sohc-versus-dohc.200404/
Jul 16, 2013 ... Anyone know of issues that are common problems on the Saturn S-Series SOHC engines that don't really crop up on the DOHC? I've only had SL2's
Saturn S-Series common problems/failures | EricTheCarGuy
https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forums/topic/saturn-s-series-common-problems-failures/
Mar 13, 2014 ... -Failed Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and/or connector: This one is universal, and the single biggest cause of problems with these cars.
1996 Saturn SL1 Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1996-saturn-sl1/problems
Problem with your 1996 Saturn SL1? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Saturn SL1.
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