1996 Saturn SL: problems, recalls and reliability

“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”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2014

“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.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2012

“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”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2010

“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2009

“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2008

“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.”Owner report · Steering · May 2008

“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2008