1996 Saturn SL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 15%of 287 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,770miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Saturn SL, 15% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,770 miles. 9 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 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10160953, filed 2006-06, 138,650 miles“I replaced my brakes and rotors today. The mechanic wanted to show me the mess that they were. I looked at them and he pointed out how unusually destroyed the inside pads are. He said he rarely sees anything that bad. The horn works when it wants to. The key gets stuck in the ignition and some days I really have to work hard to get it out or get the steering wheel to release so I can turn the key. Also the exhaust system is just hanging on before the rust overruns it.”
NHTSA complaint #10041569, filed 2003-10, 97,770 miles“- 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177314, filed 2006-12, 52,000 miles“On 6/17/99 at 6;30pm I was making a right hand turn from rte 73s to atco jughandle. Once I made the turn the steering wheel locked in place and the brakes would not work. The car shuttered and crashed into the curb. My speed was 20mph and the weather conditions were drizzling.”
NHTSA complaint #707814, filed 1999-06“1,2,3. Brakes have been a constant problem on this vehicle. First known problem was about 08/99 when dealer found pitted & blistered rear brake rotors. Replaced them as a favor since car was still under warranty (less than 36,000 miles). I had complained about lower gas mileage and feeling like car was dragging and had been told earlier that there were no problems - use a lower gear. In june, 2000, I noticed that my right rear brake disk was glowing red after a 36 mile freeway drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #729064, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 10 | 8% |
| 2001 | 13 | 12% |
| 2000 | 15 | 10% |
| 1999 | 34 | 19% |
| 1998 | 20 | 12% |
| 1997 | 24 | 11% |
| 1996 | 44 | 15% |
| 1995 | 56 | 16% |
| 1994 | 45 | 16% |
| 1993 | 36 | 21% |
| 1992 | 19 | 15% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saturn SL
63 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsAir bags
18 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