1996 Saturn SL Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 7%of 287 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Saturn SL, 7% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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. The contact sustained muscular pain that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 97v138000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 166,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10714522, filed 2015-05, 166,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10588358, filed 2014-05, 128,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Saturn sl2. While driving 20 MPH around a curve, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The tie rod end was replaced approximately two years before the crash with an aftermarket part, manufactured by trw automotive (part number es3238). The contact felt that the crash was caused by the disengagement of the tie rod end. The current and failure mileages were 150,000. Updated 02-01-08 the consumer stated between the ball and socket steering ability was completely lost. Updated 02/01/08”
NHTSA complaint #10198381, filed 2007-08, 150,000 miles“Request a defect investigation for possible recall of 1990-96 Saturn SL. The writer's son was killed in and accident in which, per witness statements, her sons vehicle veered sharply left and hit a tree head on. The consumer believes some type of defect caused her son's accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10099742, filed 2004-11Related recalls
- 97V138000Aug 29, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual steering. The pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system…Covers: Saturn SL 1996–1997
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 7% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 37 | 10% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saturn SL
63 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 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 28, 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