1996 Saturn SL Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 6%of 287 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Saturn SL, 6% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10633578, filed 2014-09, 110,000 miles“Driving at approximately 20-25 MPH consumer rear ended vehicle in front, dual airbags did not deploy which could have resulted in injuries. Seat belts were worn at at the time. Owner's manual states that airbag should deploy at 15 MPH .manufacturer will send some one to inspect vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #823849, filed 1998-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10676665, filed 2015-01“All vehicle doors came open upon impact, owner lost control, fishtailed on gravel road, skidded, hit ditch/embankment, vehicle flipped over. Also, dual airbags did not deploy, vehicle totaled. Seatbelts saved driver's/passenger's lives, owner will include VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #812186, filed 1997-05“Vehicle was involved in an accident on 27-jul-97. Was hit from behind. As a result, air bags didn't deploy, and driver's and passenger's seatback collapsed, causing the seats to fully recline.”
NHTSA complaint #844043, filed 1999-08Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 13 | 12% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 5% |
| 1997 | 17 | 7% |
| 1996 | 18 | 6% |
| 1995 | 31 | 9% |
| 1994 | 20 | 7% |
| 1993 | 10 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saturn SL
63 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsTires
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Saturn SL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology