1996 Saturn Sl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Saturn Sl: 1 recall, 287 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #97V138000 · 1997 · 14,580 vehicles
What's wrong: The pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system load conditions, such as parking lot or similar low speed maneuvers.
Why it matters: This could result in the pinion gear disengaging from the rack causing a loss of steering control.
The fix: Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 44 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (63): the most common themes are leaks (11), overheating (6), noise or vibration (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (41): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (14), rust / corrosion (6), noise or vibration (5).
- Electrical (40): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), fire / smoke (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (37): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (13), noise or vibration (2), stalls / loses power (2).
The 1996 Saturn Sl has 287 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 Sl model years for complaints (1.6× the average Sl year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 95,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (355 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (227 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Saturn Sl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1996 Saturn Sl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Saturn Sl, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Saturn Sl problems?
Owners have filed 287 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (63), brakes (hydraulic) (41), electrical (40).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Saturn Sl get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Saturn Sl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.