1996 Saturn SL
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 131 |
| 1993 | 179 |
| 1994 | 303 |
| 1995 | 356 |
| 1996 | 287 |
| 1997 | 227 |
| 1998 | 168 |
| 1999 | 178 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 111 |
| 2002 | 131 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 68 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE CAR WAS RUNNING THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021226
16% of complaints: service brakes — 47 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY15% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and ignition.
13% of complaints: power train — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
Also filed under SEATS
CAR WILL NOT HOLD IN FIFTH GEAR WHEN PUTTING IT IN FIFTH GEAR IT SLIPS OUT . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950921
7% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and rack and pinion.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150504
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140514
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 (68 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V138000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.