MYRModel Year Report

1996 Saturn SL

◆ Worse than typical
1996 Saturn SL
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn SL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 123 complaints 1993: 175 complaints 1993 1994: 286 complaints 1995: 355 complaints 1995 1996: 287 complaints 1996 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2001: 111 complaints 2001 2002: 131 complaints 2002
1996: 287 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199129
1992123
1993175
1994286
1995355
1996287
1997227
1998168
1999178
2000148
2001111
2002131

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 31 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SEATS 4%

4% of complaints: seats — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030706

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1996 — complaint volume: 287
R 19970829 — steering

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 S

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 97V138000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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 CONF

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.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V138000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ● 1992 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Saturn SL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Saturn SL is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Saturn SL?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SL have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.