1996 Saturn SL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 13%of 287 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Saturn SL, 13% of the 287 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 4 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.
“Purchased the Saturn sl1 in sept 24 of 2004 with 94,32 0miles. I had the oil changed that very same day. I 've kept up on all fluids and service religiousily. At 96910 miles the car would not go into 1st, 3rd or reverse without force. On 9/10/03 I had the clutch replaced and the slave cable. Then is when it started having problems overheating, mechanic did two diffrent diagnostic test both came back with no conclusions. The car still heats up everyday ,but I have no other car to drive. There is no power in the car now and the oil is sludge filled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10090484, filed 2004-09, 96,910 miles“5 speed transmission shifter connection inside console broke off causing car to come to a full stop in the middle of the road. Could not move car at all because shifter was no longer connected to the shifter cable. Transmission remained in neutral. Part turned out to be made of plastic and cost only $10 plus tax.”
NHTSA complaint #10136873, filed 2005-09, 89,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated gear shifter broke. She had it repaired by a mechanic. Currently, the shifter broke again. This resulted the contact's vehicle being involved in a crash. She spoke to a mechanic. He was coming to get the vehicle and repair it. She has not spoken to Saturn or general motors.”
NHTSA complaint #10141759, filed 2005-11, 21,132 miles“Differential pin in automatic transmission 1996 Saturn sl2 (mp7 transmission) this pin works it's way loose and puts a hole in the front pump cover which inturn leads to fluid leaking and an expensive repair. This is the second time that this has happened to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10068432, filed 2004-05, 96,823 miles“Plastic bushing that connects the shift lever to the manual transmission breaks whithout any warning, and leaves you without the ability toshift.this happened while pulling onto the interstate highway and almost caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10082694, filed 2004-07, 61,998 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 22 | 17% |
| 2001 | 20 | 18% |
| 2000 | 35 | 24% |
| 1999 | 22 | 12% |
| 1998 | 33 | 20% |
| 1997 | 23 | 10% |
| 1996 | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 | 40 | 11% |
| 1994 | 35 | 12% |
| 1993 | 26 | 15% |
| 1992 | 13 | 11% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saturn SL
63 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
40 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