1996 Saturn SL Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 287 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Saturn SL, 3% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Federal-mogul bearing manufacture #512000 was replaced in august of 2000, broke while driving , the wheel came off . I was lucky I was going slow around a sharp curve, and the car behind me was able to avoid the rolling wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #747227, filed 2001-06“1996 Saturn sl2, a vehicle defect caused the driver to lose control and strike the concrete barrier. 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) updated 08/05/10”
NHTSA complaint #10345469, filed 2010-07“When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes failed and weren't stopping the vehicle properly. Also, there is virbration within the steering and a short within the electrical system.”
NHTSA complaint #851294, filed 1999-10Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 7 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 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 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsTires
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsFuel system
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