1996 Saturn SL Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 287 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 155,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Saturn SL, 3% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 155,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The fuel line in this car is exposed at the bottom of the car, and twice now (on 11/3/05 and earlier in 12/2003) the fuel line has ripped and gasoline has spilled onto the ground when trying to start the car. The gasoline spill obviously creates a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10141773, filed 2005-11, 155,000 miles“While driving on the highway, travelling about 50mph at night, all of sudden the vehicle cut off. Contacted dealer, andwas told that a spider got into the fuel line and blocked the line where the pump didn't have enough ventilation, and fuel tank collasped.”
NHTSA complaint #855203, filed 2000-01“While driving at speed of 55mph, the engine light came on and the vehicle decreased its speed down to 10mph, then increased its speed back to 55mph. Cause unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #808155, filed 1997-03Related 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…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saturn SL
63 complaintsBrakes
44 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 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 30, 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