Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1996 Saturn SL: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

287 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

95,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1996 model year. Data updated: . 49 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 31 of 287 complaints (10.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior4716.4%
Transmission and shifting186.3%
Steering behavior165.6%
Electrical and battery issues72.4%
Engine operation41.4%
Fuel system concerns20.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
31
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
18
Electrical System:Horn
16
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
15
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
12
Air Bags:Frontal
11
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
11
Electrical System:Ignition
10
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine31
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline18
Electrical System:Horn16
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components15
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner12
Air Bags:Frontal11
Power Train:Automatic Transmission11
Electrical System:Ignition10

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 31; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 18; Electrical System:Horn: 16; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 15; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 12; Air Bags:Frontal: 11; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 11; Electrical System:Ignition: 10

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
11
75,000 to 99,999
13
100,000 to 149,999
15
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,99911
75,000 to 99,99913
100,000 to 149,99915
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 11; 75,000 to 99,999: 13; 100,000 to 149,999: 15; 150,000 and above: 6

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 238 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
4
1996
33
1997
56
1998
23
1999
26
2000
37
2001
19
2002
20
2003
18
2004
21
2005
7
2006
4
2007
5
2008
5
2010
2
2011
1
2014
3
2015
2
2016
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19954
199633
199756
199823
199926
200037
200119
200220
200318
200421
20057
20064
20075
20085
20102
20111
20143
20152
20161

1995: 4; 1996: 33; 1997: 56; 1998: 23; 1999: 26; 2000: 37; 2001: 19; 2002: 20; 2003: 18; 2004: 21; 2005: 7; 2006: 4; 2007: 5; 2008: 5; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2014: 3; 2015: 2; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 47 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 18 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 16 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10001524 · 2002-12-26 (December 26, 2002)

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE CAR WAS RUNNING THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001524 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005654 · 2003-02-10 (February 10, 2003)

I PURCHASED MY SATURN SL2 NEW IN 1996. AFTER 70,000 MILES IT STARTED USING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED TO ECLIPSE 1 QT. FOR EVERY 500 MILES. MY OIL CHANGE SERVICE SAID SATURN ENGINES WERE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD RINGS. I TOOK TO SATURN DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE. I REPLACED ENGINE WITH A SATURN ENGINE WITH 23,000 MILES. AFTER ANOTHER 40,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR. I NOW NEED TO PURCHASE A THIRD ENGINE.

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005654 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10010631 · 2003-03-17 (March 17, 2003)

MANUAL TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR AND GRINDS. SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T GET IT INTO GEAR. ALL COMPONETS OF THE CLUTCH ARE FINE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10010631 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011414 · 2003-03-11 (March 11, 2003)

THE HORN HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10011414 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011862 · 2003-03-17 (March 17, 2003)

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL NUMBER 98 V 307 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10011862 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014755 · 2003-02-24 (February 24, 2003)

NAR 02/28/2003 MR MALFUNCTIONING ENGINE. *CB

Owner-reported narrative. 92,237 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014755 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016552 · 2003-04-26 (April 26, 2003)

1996 SATURN - ENGINE OIL LEAKS INTO COOLANT. DEALER SAID THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN FLAW. 1997'S UNDER 100,000 MILES SATURN WOULD PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED, BUT NOT 1996'S. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 128,433 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016552 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10017453 · 2003-04-23 (April 23, 2003)

THE VEHICLES HORN WAS INOPERATIVE. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10017453 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

97V138000 · Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)

Reported: 1997-08-29 (August 29, 1997)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. 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.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PINION GEAR DISENGAGING FROM THE RACK CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

287 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

17.1%Usable mileage49 / 287 records
82.6%Valid incident date237 / 287 records
100.0%Valid filing date287 / 287 records
82.6%Ordered incident and filing dates237 / 287 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
13.4%
ODI 807126

ENGINE OIL LEAK, GASKET OIL PAN RUSTED, CAUSING LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, IN FOR REPAIR WILL PROVIDE INVOICE RECEIPT. *AK

Look up ODI 807126 at NHTSA ↗

1713.8%
ODI 504568

PISTON RINGS FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO BURN OIL EXCESSIVELY. *DH

Look up ODI 504568 at NHTSA ↗

169.1%
ODI 10009241

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB *TS

Look up ODI 10009241 at NHTSA ↗

258.7%
ODI 10093917

AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING, REPLACED 2 OF THE COMPONENETS UNDER THE DASH ONE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE UP IN THE CORNER AND THE OTHER UP BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. COOLING FAN DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY MUST KEEP THE AC ON FOR THE FAN TO WORK. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TRIED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE SENSORS HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO TROUBLE SHOOT, CAN'T FIND A REASON SO IT IS NOT FIXED JUST KEEP AC ON ALWAYS. CAR VIBRATES AND CAN'T FIND A REASON STILL LOOKING FOR PROBLEM, VIBRATES SO MUCH BODY PARTS ON FRONT ARE BECOM…

Look up ODI 10093917 at NHTSA ↗

339.3%
ODI 10006456 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, IT EATS OIL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF WHERE IT IS GOING. THE AUTO BELT TIGHTENER IS NOT WORKING AND COST AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX. SUNROOF BROKE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR CAUSE, THE FAN SWITCH NEVER DID OPERATE CORRECTLY, NOW IT IS SHIFTING REAL HARD ALL THE TIME WHILE YOUR DRIVING, ONCE IT IS WARMED UP. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****744336

Look up ODI 10006456 at NHTSA ↗

3110.8%
ODI 10005654 · 70,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY SATURN SL2 NEW IN 1996. AFTER 70,000 MILES IT STARTED USING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED TO ECLIPSE 1 QT. FOR EVERY 500 MILES. MY OIL CHANGE SERVICE SAID SATURN ENGINES WERE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD RINGS. I TOOK TO SATURN DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE. I REPLACED ENGINE WITH A SATURN ENGINE WITH 23,000 MILES. AFTER ANOTHER 40,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR. I NOW NEED TO PURCHASE A THIRD ENGINE.

Look up ODI 10005654 at NHTSA ↗

177.5%
ODI 10019532

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB

Look up ODI 10019532 at NHTSA ↗

148.3%
ODI 10001275 · 11,979 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAM SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE IDLE CONTROL WAS ADJUSTED AND THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10001275 at NHTSA ↗

179.6%
ODI 10008758

THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED.*JB

Look up ODI 10008758 at NHTSA ↗

106.8%
ODI 10027114 · 45,000 mi

WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO STATED THE OIL PUMP FAILED. *AK *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10027114 at NHTSA ↗

76.3%
ODI 10011082 · 43,000 mi

2001 SATURN 1.9 LITER L4 SL2 5 SPEED. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WENT BAD CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE WATER PUMP TO GO BAD. THE CAR HAD 46,000 MILES. *JB

Look up ODI 10011082 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10013802

2002 SATURN SL HAS 3 LEAKING SEALS. VERY DANGEROUS FOR A FIRE. REAR SEAL, OIL PAN GASKET AND CRANK CASE GASKET ALL LEAKING. DANGEROUS FOR SINGLE WOMEN ON THE ROAD. *JB

Look up ODI 10013802 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.3%
ODI 507374

DRIVER REPLACED BATTERIES 4 TIMES, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN 2ND GEAR, REPLACED GENERATOR WIRING AS PER SERVICE RECALL, ALSO REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS AND BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK

Look up ODI 507374 at NHTSA ↗

137.4%
ODI 10053882 · 35,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL JUMPED FORWARD, DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER OWNS FOUR OTHER SATURN VEHICLES. THREE OF THEM HAVE ALSO HAD THEIR VALVE BODY ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. ALL OF THE VEHICLES HAD UNDER 50000 MILES ON THEIR ODOMETER'S. *NM

Look up ODI 10053882 at NHTSA ↗

175.9%
ODI 10093917

AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING, REPLACED 2 OF THE COMPONENETS UNDER THE DASH ONE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE UP IN THE CORNER AND THE OTHER UP BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. COOLING FAN DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY MUST KEEP THE AC ON FOR THE FAN TO WORK. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TRIED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE SENSORS HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO TROUBLE SHOOT, CAN'T FIND A REASON SO IT IS NOT FIXED JUST KEEP AC ON ALWAYS. CAR VIBRATES AND CAN'T FIND A REASON STILL LOOKING FOR PROBLEM, VIBRATES SO MUCH BODY PARTS ON FRONT ARE BECOM…

Look up ODI 10093917 at NHTSA ↗

185.1%
ODI 10006456 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, IT EATS OIL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF WHERE IT IS GOING. THE AUTO BELT TIGHTENER IS NOT WORKING AND COST AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX. SUNROOF BROKE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR CAUSE, THE FAN SWITCH NEVER DID OPERATE CORRECTLY, NOW IT IS SHIFTING REAL HARD ALL THE TIME WHILE YOUR DRIVING, ONCE IT IS WARMED UP. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****744336

Look up ODI 10006456 at NHTSA ↗

113.8%
ODI 10023280 · 81,000 mi

1996 SATURN SL1'S HAVE A PROBLEM REFERRED TO AS "DELAYED ENGAGEMENT IN REVERSE. WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT WILL NOT MOVE, CAUSING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS DUE TO THE VALVE BODY ON THE TRANSMISSION WEARING EXCESSIVELY, ALLOWING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FLOW AROUND A POPPET BEFORE ENGAGING. SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SO ARE THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR PLACES. SATURN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM THOUGH THEY HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE PROBLEM AND AT ABOUT $1000 PER REPAIR PER VEHICLE SATURN HAS A VES…

Look up ODI 10023280 at NHTSA ↗

114.8%
ODI 10018432 · 91,328 mi

WE BROUGHT OUR SATURN INTO THE OAKLAND, CA DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS DEVELOPED SOME LEAKS AND CLUTCH / GEAR ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS. INITIAL QUOTE FROM THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER FOR REPAIR IS $2600.00+. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 12/31/02, AND THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE 94,904 MILE MARK. AT THE 91,328 MILEAGE MARK, THE DEALER PERFORMED AN "87,000 MILE" SERVICE, NOT A "90,000 MILE" SERVICE. WHY DIDN'T THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORM MY DAUGHTER THAT THE "90,000 MILE" SERVICE WAS DUE, WHICH INCLUDED A TRANSMISSION…

Look up ODI 10018432 at NHTSA ↗

1810.7%
ODI 10001275 · 11,979 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAM SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE IDLE CONTROL WAS ADJUSTED AND THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10001275 at NHTSA ↗

95.1%
ODI 10003575 · 30,550 mi

1999 SATURN SL2 WITH 30,500 MILES TRANSMISSION EXPLODED.

Look up ODI 10003575 at NHTSA ↗

2214.9%
ODI 10024819

WHEN VEHICLE IS ENGAGED IN REVERSE IT MAKES A TERRIBLE NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10024819 at NHTSA ↗

1412.6%
ODI 10053889 · 50,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND WHEN PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THAT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 10053889 at NHTSA ↗

1410.7%
ODI 10072203

WHEN PUTTING THE GEAR SHIFT IN REVERSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Look up ODI 10072203 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
26.9%
ODI 513637

WHILE LEANING BACK IN SEAT TO REACH INTO PANTS POCKET, THE SEATBACK FRAME BENT BACKWARDS, CAUSIN GTHE RECLINING CATCH TO RELEASE. *AK

Look up ODI 513637 at NHTSA ↗

64.9%
ODI 10017680

CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB

Look up ODI 10017680 at NHTSA ↗

126.9%
ODI 539614

VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF CONSUMER. HAD BOTH FRON TAND RAE IMPACT. DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK IN TIME TO PREVENT DRIVER FROM FALLING FORWARD, HITTING HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, SEATBACK COLLAPSED, DRIVER FELL BACKWARDS AND HIT BACK OF HEAD. SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Look up ODI 539614 at NHTSA ↗

2910.1%
ODI 10022969 · 162,700 mi

AS A RESULT OF BEING REAR ENDED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *AK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10022969 at NHTSA ↗

3810.7%
ODI 10029595

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM, WITH DRIVERS CHAIR BREAKING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED FROM THE BACK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME AT THIS CALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10029595 at NHTSA ↗

124.2%
ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

Look up ODI 10025482 at NHTSA ↗

62.6%
ODI 550684

DURING COLLESION DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF GAS TANK ASSEMBLY CAP CAME OFF AND REAR WHEEL BED AND TANK WRAPPED AROUND EACH OTHER RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. YH

Look up ODI 550684 at NHTSA ↗

42.4%
ODI 10169896

DURING A REAR END COLLISION THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT RELEASED TO FULL RECLINE POSITION. LEAVING ME WHICH MORE SEVERE INJURIES THAN I SHOULD HAVE SUSTAINED. *NM

Look up ODI 10169896 at NHTSA ↗

63.4%
ODI 10014740 · 76,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE FRONT SEATS RECLINED BACKWARDS. *JB

Look up ODI 10014740 at NHTSA ↗

42.7%
ODI 10072146

WHILE STOPPING VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED. AFTER THE COLLISION BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED AND FELL BACK ONTO REAR SEATS.*AK

Look up ODI 10072146 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 746284

FREEWAY TRAFFIC SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP. I STOPPED BUT WAS REAR ENDED BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND PUSHED INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. I SUSTAINED MINOR BACK, HIP, BRUISED STOMACH MUSCLES AND KNEE INJURIES THAT I FEEL WOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED OR MUCH LESS SEVERE HAD THE SEAT BACK HELD. I'M HAVING A PROBLEM COMPREHENDING GMS CONTENTION THAT THE SEAT BACK YIELDING IS A DESIRABLE RESPONSE TO THIS OR ANY SITUATION (AND THE FACT THAT THEIR PRODUCT ADHERES TO ALL RELEVANT STANDARDS, ETC).*AK

Look up ODI 746284 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10051952 · 25,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10051952 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
26.9%
ODI 822021

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND DRIVING OVER CURVES WITHOUT STOPPING, SHE FINALLY STOPPED IT BY PULLING THE IGNITION KEY ON A MALL PARKING LOT. *AK

Look up ODI 822021 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 747891

ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND BATTERY REPLACED 5 TIMES. NOW EXPERIENCING SURGING, HESITATION AND STALLING, AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE AFTER FOUR TRIPS. *AK

Look up ODI 747891 at NHTSA ↗

179.7%
ODI 484682

CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON A DOWN GRADE FREEWAY. *AK

Look up ODI 484682 at NHTSA ↗

3311.5%
ODI 10532626 · 86,000 mi

FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE CAR WILL TURN ITSELF OFF WHILE ENGAGED, AND, IF LEFT ALONE, WILL RANDOMLY REENGAGE TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER WITH NO WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SURGE OF ACCELERATION (AS MUCH AS ONE CAN EXPECT FROM A SATURN, ANYHOW) IF SPEED HAS SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10532626 at NHTSA ↗

174.8%
ODI 501334

FRONT BRAKES GRIND, DUE TO LEFT CALIPER FAILURE.

Look up ODI 501334 at NHTSA ↗

103.5%
ODI 10299775 · 76,824 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT HAD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,824. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10

Look up ODI 10299775 at NHTSA ↗

94.0%
ODI 10015331

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10015331 at NHTSA ↗

31.8%
ODI 753785

MY MOTHER AND I WERE DRIVING SOUTH ON I-95, MILE MARKER 277 (NORTH OF DAYTONA) WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR 72 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE, AND AS I APPROACHED A CAR GOING SLOWER, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL. IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF, SO I MOVED TO THE LEFT LANE AND TRIED REPEATEDLY TO RELEASE IT. I WAS ABOUT THE HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, AND IT SEEMED LIKE I WAS ACCELERATING RATHER THAN DECELERATING. I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN SO WENT INTO THE MEDIAN STRIP, AND STILL WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN.IT SEEMED …

Look up ODI 753785 at NHTSA ↗

31.7%
ODI 10040051 · 29,000 mi

WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP MOTOR REVVED, BUT VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THIS RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 10040051 at NHTSA ↗

53.4%
ODI 10107479 · 100,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATEED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10107479 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 746638

THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE. WE ARE PRIOR YEAR (1993, 1997 (2), AND 1998) SATURN OWNERS. FOR THE PRIOR YEARS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS LOCATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE HORN BUTTONS WERE LOCATED ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS RESULTED IN COMPLAINTS FROM MANY OWNERS BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT THE STANDARD LOCATION FOR HORNS ON GM OR OTHER MODELS. IN 1999 OR 2000, SATURN MOVED THE HORN TO THE TYPICAL LOCATION (CENTER OF STEERING WHEEL OVER THE AIRBAG). THEY REPLACED THE HORN BUTTONS WITH THE CURISE CONTROLS. 4-6 WEEKS …

Look up ODI 746638 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 8009277

WHILE DRIVING IT IS HARD FOR BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE RPMS RACED AND WOULD NOT IDLE DOWN. DRIVER HAD HAS TO APPLY BRAKES VERY HARD. DEALER REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TT

Look up ODI 8009277 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.6%
ODI 10115235

1995 SATURN SL2, INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IN MODERATE FRONTAL COLLISION. *BF PORTIONS OF THE AIR BAG FABRIC MELTED THE INTERNAL COMPONETS OF THE MODULE. *JB

Look up ODI 10115235 at NHTSA ↗

74.0%
ODI 484821

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIRBAG DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD

Look up ODI 484821 at NHTSA ↗

186.3%
ODI 10022969 · 162,700 mi

AS A RESULT OF BEING REAR ENDED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *AK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10022969 at NHTSA ↗

267.3%
ODI 10139509

DT: 1995 SATURN SL1 4 DOOR. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 . UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER TOOK PICTURES . HOWEVER, HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER BECAUSE HE THOUGHT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, AND DEALERSHIP INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH, HIT THE BRAKES, AND THEY DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO FRONT AIRBAGS . CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE C…

Look up ODI 10139509 at NHTSA ↗

113.8%
ODI 506320

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN FRONT END COLLISION.

Look up ODI 506320 at NHTSA ↗

125.3%
ODI 10046330 · 104,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

Look up ODI 10046330 at NHTSA ↗

31.8%
ODI 10130786

MY BROTHER WAS KILLED JUNE 24, 2005, IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. HE WAS DRIVING A 1998 SATURN SL ON AN INTERSTATE IN MISSISSIPPI, THE SATURN WENT OUT OF CONTROL, HIS SEATBELT (WHICH HE ALWAYS WORE) AND HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE CAR. SINCE HIS DEATH, I'VE FOUND ON NHTSA'S SITE ALMOST 30 DIFFERENT COMPLAINTS FROM 1998 SATURN SLY OWNERS DESCRIBING SERIOUS FAILURES OF THAT CARS STABILITY, BRAKES, STEERING, AND AIR BAGS---ALL OF WHICH RESULTED IN THE CAR GOING OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVERS IN THE 30 COMPLAINTS I'VE FOUND ALL STATED THAT THE…

Look up ODI 10130786 at NHTSA ↗

126.7%
ODI 10015833 · 39,000 mi

THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. *JB TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE AND BUMPED UNDER CAR ON CURB. BENDING THE SWAY BAR BRACKET BUT DID NOT TOUCH CAR BODY OR BUMPER.*TS

Look up ODI 10015833 at NHTSA ↗

21.4%
ODI 10237300 · 82,176 mi

SIDEWALL EXPLODED WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY. BOUGHT THE SAME TIRE AS A REPLACEMENT AND IT DEVELOPED A GIANT SIDEWALL BUBBLE IN A FEW THOUSAND MILES THAT JUST RUPTURED...THE TWO TIRES BOTH WENT BAD IN ONLY 11333 MILES...ABOUT 5666 MILES EACH!! *TR

Look up ODI 10237300 at NHTSA ↗

76.3%
ODI 10044278 · 47,000 mi

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE,BOTH AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING WHILE PARKING VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10044278 at NHTSA ↗

32.3%
ODI 10082691

AFTER A CRASH IN A SATURN AND THE AIR BAGS EXPLODED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD AREA STARTED SMOLDERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT DID A LOT OF DAMAGE.*AK

Look up ODI 10082691 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
26.9%
ODI 503962

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DUE TO REAR IMPACT. *SD

Look up ODI 503962 at NHTSA ↗

129.8%
ODI 10018147 · 140,000 mi

CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE DRIVERSIDE SEAT BACK COLLASPED. THE BACK OF THE SEAT SLAMMED DOWN SO HARD THAT IF A PASSENGER WAS SITTING THERE THERE LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. "POOR DESIGN", STATES CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

Look up ODI 10018147 at NHTSA ↗

95.1%
ODI 10585967 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014 *JS

Look up ODI 10585967 at NHTSA ↗

196.6%
ODI 10190383 · 134,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT MECHANISM FAILED SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE NOTED IN RECALL # 99V045000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE'S PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB

Look up ODI 10190383 at NHTSA ↗

329.0%
ODI 10002150

WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF HER VEHICLE THE FRONT SEAT DRIVER SIDE RECLINE BACKWARDS AND NEVER COME BACK TO ORIGINAL STATE. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER. PH

Look up ODI 10002150 at NHTSA ↗

31.0%
ODI 534035

REAR DOOR STICKS CLOSED, INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE AND OUT.

Look up ODI 534035 at NHTSA ↗

125.3%
ODI 609525

THE BACK OF THE REAR SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD AFTER A SUDDEN STOP.

Look up ODI 609525 at NHTSA ↗

21.2%
ODI 606181

REAR WINDOW SHIELD WIPER FAILED. YH

Look up ODI 606181 at NHTSA ↗

21.1%
ODI 843661

HIT FROM BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS JAMMED TO THE BACK SEAT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT. *AK

Look up ODI 843661 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.8%
ODI 8013295

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT LOCK WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE IN ORDER TO LOCK THE SEAT DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB

Look up ODI 8013295 at NHTSA ↗

43.1%
ODI 10014398

I PURCHASED A 4-DOOR SATURN SL 2002 THIS PAST SUMMER. THE CARS DESIGN IS INCORRECT. WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT WITH BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVE, I HAVE TO TURN MY BODY FROM THE WAIST DOWN TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO PRESS ON THE GAS OR BRAKE. I HAVE NO ROOM ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEXT TO THE GAS PEDAL DUE TO THE CENTER CONSOLE PANEL, IT FORCES ME TO SIT WITH MY WAIST TURNED TO THE LEFT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION AND I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL BACK PAIN, WHICH BEGAN TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN SEEING A CH…

Look up ODI 10014398 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
13.4%
ODI 721925

HAVE HAD CAR SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, ENGINE ALWAYS REMAINED ROUGH, CAR DIES ON US, HAS LOW UPTAKE SPEED, MECHANIC SAID ITS A SATURN ENGINE DEFECT, WILL EVENTUALLY DIE ALTOGETHER. *AK

Look up ODI 721925 at NHTSA ↗

32.4%
ODI 715368

SATURNED REFUSED TO HELP WITH THE COSTS

Look up ODI 715368 at NHTSA ↗

116.3%
ODI 481477

ENGINE CONTINUES TO HESITATE AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS. *SKD

Look up ODI 481477 at NHTSA ↗

62.1%
ODI 517928

ENGINE FAILURE; ALSO, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

Look up ODI 517928 at NHTSA ↗

215.9%
ODI 482603

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE.

Look up ODI 482603 at NHTSA ↗

186.3%
ODI 10031308

CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAD HER AUTOMOBILE INSSPECTED ,AND WAS TOLD THAT HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. SHE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT OTHER SATURN OWNER WERE HAVING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM. WHAT COULD SHE DO ABOUT IT?*AK

Look up ODI 10031308 at NHTSA ↗

125.3%
ODI 534043

VEHICLE'S ENGINE CONTINUALLY MAKES NOISE, LOUDER WITH AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

Look up ODI 534043 at NHTSA ↗

63.6%
ODI 536547

ENGINE EXPERIENCING KNOCKING PROBLEMS.

Look up ODI 536547 at NHTSA ↗

63.4%
ODI 10128892 · 94,000 mi

DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 1999 SATURN SL. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER TOOK IT TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. FOUR DAYS LATER ON 6-25-05, SHE HEARD AN EXPLOSION; THE CAP ON THE RADIATOR COOLANT HAD POPPED OFF. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING GUSHING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE COOLANT AND OIL MIXED. THIS MIXTURE IS CURRENTLY SPLATTERED ON THE CONSUMERS DRIVEWAY. AFTERWARDS SHE CONTACTED THE PLACE WERE SHE GOT THE OIL CHANGED AND THEY TOLD HER TO BRING IT IN. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE THEM O…

Look up ODI 10128892 at NHTSA ↗

64.1%
ODI 10210747

DRIVING MY 2000 SATURN SL2 70 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUDDENLY COMES ON, ENGINE STOPS RUNNING PULL OVER, LUCKILY CLEAR CONDITIONS, SAFELY. TOWED CAR TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS TIMING CHAIN OR BELT MAY HAVE BROKEN. DEALER CALLS BACK, SAYS I NEED A $7000.00 REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS COST ME OVER 5000.00 IN REPAIRS. SATURN HAS NOT OFFERED ANY SORT OF EXPLANATION. JUST A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ONLINE. I AM FURIOUS. *TR

Look up ODI 10210747 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 10144634 · 10,000 mi

WE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES THE CAR WAS ENGINE WAS RACING WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND YOU HAVE TO HOLD EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE BAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE IDLE SPEED INCREASES FROM A NORMAL 750 RPM TO APPROXIMATELY 1750 RPM WHILE IN NEUTRAL, INTERMEDIATELY, SOMETIMES RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR, SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE. THE CAR ENGINE WHEN IT DOES THIS WILL EXCEED 1100 RPM WHILE IN DRIVE WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES UNDER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND ONE TIME SPECIFICAL…

Look up ODI 10144634 at NHTSA ↗

43.1%
ODI 10186683 · 95,000 mi

MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING 3 OTHER VEHICLES. THE MOTOR OF THE 2002 SATURN SL1 IN WHICH HE WAS DRIVING STALLED AS HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY ONTO A SERVICE ROAD. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLED,HE DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO STEER OR STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, HE STRUCK 2 VEHICLES THAT WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION. THE SECOND VEHICLE THAT HE STRUCK HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE MY SON DROVE. THE RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE 1 SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THE REAR AND FRONT BUMPERS WERE DAMAGED ON VEHI…

Look up ODI 10186683 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

64.9%
ODI 483893

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO 'BOILING OF FLUID WHEN APPLYING BRAKES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME DOWN A STEEP HILL. *SD

Look up ODI 483893 at NHTSA ↗

63.4%
ODI 481477

ENGINE CONTINUES TO HESITATE AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS. *SKD

Look up ODI 481477 at NHTSA ↗

93.1%
ODI 489249

ENGINE VALVES STICKING DUE TO CARBON BUILD-UP. *SKD

Look up ODI 489249 at NHTSA ↗

185.1%
ODI 482603

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE.

Look up ODI 482603 at NHTSA ↗

155.2%
ODI 502288

BRAKES GRIND.

Look up ODI 502288 at NHTSA ↗

125.3%
ODI 531147

BRAKE FAILURE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 531147 at NHTSA ↗

42.4%
ODI 536002

WHEN THE TRUCK LID IS RAISED IN RAINY WEATHER, WATER DRIPS INTO LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO DESIGN.

Look up ODI 536002 at NHTSA ↗

95.1%
ODI 10052540 · 60,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 1999 SATURN SL2 W/ 23,000MI. AT 60,000MI I BEGAN TO FEEL A JUDDER/VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO A SATURN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WE'RE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD NON-OEM BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED AND AFTER APPROXIAMETELY 65,000MI, BEGAN TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER LEAVING THE CAR WITH THE REPAIR SHOP, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT MY ROTORS KEEP WARPING. THE REPAIR SHOP CUT THE ROTORS "SLIGHTLY" AND NOW AT 70,000MI I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE…

Look up ODI 10052540 at NHTSA ↗

21.4%
ODI 725955

I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, IT DID NOT EVEN SLOW DOWN UNTIL I HIT THE OTHER CAR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Look up ODI 725955 at NHTSA ↗

21.8%
ODI 8005957

AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW DAY, BRAKES WILL TIGHTEN UP AND MAKE A GRINDING NOISE LIKE METAL TO METAL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

Look up ODI 8005957 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 8010054

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DESCENDING STEEP GRADE/MOUNTAIN ROADS. BRAKES ARE SCORCHED DUE TO EXCESSIVE PEDAL APPLICATION, AND CONTROLLING VEHICLE IS WITH DIFFICULTY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 8010054 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine71,593–109,000 mi77,000 mi11
ODI 10005654 · 70,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY SATURN SL2 NEW IN 1996. AFTER 70,000 MILES IT STARTED USING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED TO ECLIPSE 1 QT. FOR EVERY 500 MILES. MY OIL CHANGE SERVICE SAID SATURN ENGINES WERE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD RINGS. I TOOK TO SATURN DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE. I REPLACED ENGINE WITH A SATURN ENGINE WITH 23,000 MILES. AFTER ANOTHER 40,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR. I NOW NEED TO PURCHASE A THIRD ENGINE.

Look up ODI 10005654 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10016552 · 128,433 mi

1996 SATURN - ENGINE OIL LEAKS INTO COOLANT. DEALER SAID THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN FLAW. 1997'S UNDER 100,000 MILES SATURN WOULD PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED, BUT NOT 1996'S. *NLM

Look up ODI 10016552 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10024714 · 73,185 mi

ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE ENGINE OIL AND COOLANT MIXED TOGETHER BECAUSE THE HEAD GASKET WAS CRACKED. *AK *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10024714 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Horn91,385–120,000 mi115,374 mi7
ODI 10026121 · 115,374 mi

HORN FAILED AS IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID #98V307000. DEALER DENIES VIN PART OF RECALL. NHTSA WEB SITE LISTS "Z" FOR SATURN MODEL, WHICH DOES NOT EXIST. DEALER REQUIRED ME TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF HORN.*AK

Look up ODI 10026121 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10041569 · 97,770 mi

I REPLACED MY BRAKES AND ROTORS TODAY. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO SHOW ME THE MESS THAT THEY WERE. I LOOKED AT THEM AND HE POINTED OUT HOW UNUSUALLY DESTROYED THE INSIDE PADS ARE. HE SAID HE RARELY SEES ANYTHING THAT BAD. THE HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND SOME DAYS I REALLY HAVE TO WORK HARD TO GET IT OUT OR GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE SO I CAN TURN THE KEY. ALSO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS JUST HANGING ON BEFORE THE RUST OVERRUNS IT. *LA

Look up ODI 10041569 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10088124 · 128,000 mi

I OWN A 1996 SATURN SL1 THAT I PURCHASED USED IN DECEMBER OF 2000. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY HORN SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT SERVICED TWICE AND THE HORN IS BROKEN FOR A THIRD TIME. I REPLACED A FUSE IN SPRING 2001, BECAUSE IT WENT OUT. IN DECEMBER OF 2002 THE HORN WENT OUT AGAIN, SO IN MAY OF 2003 HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE ENTIRE HORN ASSEMBLY. THIS LASTED UNTIL OCTOBER OF 2003 WHEN MY HORN STARTED GOING OFF WILDLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, CAUSING THE LOCAL POLICE TO RESPOND AND GIVE ME A WARNING FOR A NOISE VIO…

Look up ODI 10088124 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:ReclinerToo few reports for a range46,500 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

Look up ODI 10025482 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range63,750 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10023280 · 81,000 mi

1996 SATURN SL1'S HAVE A PROBLEM REFERRED TO AS "DELAYED ENGAGEMENT IN REVERSE. WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT WILL NOT MOVE, CAUSING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS DUE TO THE VALVE BODY ON THE TRANSMISSION WEARING EXCESSIVELY, ALLOWING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FLOW AROUND A POPPET BEFORE ENGAGING. SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SO ARE THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR PLACES. SATURN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM THOUGH THEY HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE PROBLEM AND AT ABOUT $1000 PER REPAIR PER VEHICLE SATURN HAS A VES…

Look up ODI 10023280 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

Look up ODI 10025482 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10053885 · 24,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND WHEN PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL,VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HASDBEEN REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 10053885 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range112,885 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10041569 · 97,770 mi

I REPLACED MY BRAKES AND ROTORS TODAY. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO SHOW ME THE MESS THAT THEY WERE. I LOOKED AT THEM AND HE POINTED OUT HOW UNUSUALLY DESTROYED THE INSIDE PADS ARE. HE SAID HE RARELY SEES ANYTHING THAT BAD. THE HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND SOME DAYS I REALLY HAVE TO WORK HARD TO GET IT OUT OR GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE SO I CAN TURN THE KEY. ALSO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS JUST HANGING ON BEFORE THE RUST OVERRUNS IT. *LA

Look up ODI 10041569 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10588358 · 128,000 mi

TL* 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 AP…

Look up ODI 10588358 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 247 reports

2001: 41 complaints · 2002: 47 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001153041
2002183647
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200110164
200212092

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineElectrical System:HornService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation ComponentsSeats:Front Assembly:ReclinerAir Bags:FrontalPower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical System:Ignition
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine—
1
ODI 534035

REAR DOOR STICKS CLOSED, INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE AND OUT.

Look up ODI 534035 at NHTSA ↗

00000
2
ODI 538969

BRAKES PADS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, ROTORS FAILED ONCE.

Look up ODI 538969 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 555683

HOT LIGHT IS ON, FAN RUNS AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF, DEALER REPLACED PCM ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. *SLC

Look up ODI 555683 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
ODI 534035

REAR DOOR STICKS CLOSED, INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE AND OUT.

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Electrical System:Horn00—0000
1
ODI 10041569 · 97,770 mi

I REPLACED MY BRAKES AND ROTORS TODAY. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO SHOW ME THE MESS THAT THEY WERE. I LOOKED AT THEM AND HE POINTED OUT HOW UNUSUALLY DESTROYED THE INSIDE PADS ARE. HE SAID HE RARELY SEES ANYTHING THAT BAD. THE HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND SOME DAYS I REALLY HAVE TO WORK HARD TO GET IT OUT OR GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE SO I CAN TURN THE KEY. ALSO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS JUST HANGING ON BEFORE THE RUST OVERRUNS IT. *LA

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components000—0000
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner0000—
1
ODI 844043

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 27-JUL-97. WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. AS A RESULT, AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACK COLLAPSED, CAUSING THE SEATS TO FULLY RECLINE. *AK

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1
ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

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0
Air Bags:Frontal0000
1
ODI 844043

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 27-JUL-97. WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. AS A RESULT, AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACK COLLAPSED, CAUSING THE SEATS TO FULLY RECLINE. *AK

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Power Train:Automatic Transmission0000
1
ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

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0—0
Electrical System:Ignition
2
ODI 538969

BRAKES PADS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, ROTORS FAILED ONCE.

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ODI 555683

HOT LIGHT IS ON, FAN RUNS AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF, DEALER REPLACED PCM ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. *SLC

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0
1
ODI 10041569 · 97,770 mi

I REPLACED MY BRAKES AND ROTORS TODAY. THE MECHANIC WANTED TO SHOW ME THE MESS THAT THEY WERE. I LOOKED AT THEM AND HE POINTED OUT HOW UNUSUALLY DESTROYED THE INSIDE PADS ARE. HE SAID HE RARELY SEES ANYTHING THAT BAD. THE HORN WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND SOME DAYS I REALLY HAVE TO WORK HARD TO GET IT OUT OR GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RELEASE SO I CAN TURN THE KEY. ALSO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS JUST HANGING ON BEFORE THE RUST OVERRUNS IT. *LA

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Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

16 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,412 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10177314 · 52,000 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE BRAKES ON 1996 SATURN SL2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN SHE WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER CAR. SHE THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH GAVE NO RESISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE BEING CUT OFF THE BRAKES DID WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED AFTER SHE PUMPED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH UNTIL SHE REACHED HER DESTINATION AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SATURN DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS B…

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ODI 10299775 · 76,824 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT HAD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,824. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10

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ODI 509979

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY.

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

5 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10005654 · 70,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY SATURN SL2 NEW IN 1996. AFTER 70,000 MILES IT STARTED USING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED TO ECLIPSE 1 QT. FOR EVERY 500 MILES. MY OIL CHANGE SERVICE SAID SATURN ENGINES WERE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD RINGS. I TOOK TO SATURN DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE. I REPLACED ENGINE WITH A SATURN ENGINE WITH 23,000 MILES. AFTER ANOTHER 40,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR. I NOW NEED TO PURCHASE A THIRD ENGINE.

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ODI 10069861

CRACKED HEAD CYLINDER - MANUFACUTURER HAS "SECRET WARRANTY" ON THIS PART FOR 1994-1996 SATURNS. SATURN WOULDN'T COVER WHOLE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE "SECRET WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JUNE 2002" ON MY CAR. REASON I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD PAY FOR ALL OF IT: (1) KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT WITH ENGINE (2) MY CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP GARAGE FOR ENGINE WORK DURING THE SECRET WARRANTY TERM AND DURING MY WARRANTY COVERAGE, FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. ENGINE WAS REBUILT BUT HEAD CYLINDER WAS NEVER CHECKED FOR KNOWN PROBLEM AND I WASN'T NOTIFIE…

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ODI 742185

ENGINE CUT OFF, ENGINE SURGED,TACHOMETER BOUCES,REPLACED VALVE GUIDES AT 60000 MILES, COMPRESION STILL NOT CORRECT, CK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON, BURNS OIL, 2 QTS MORE THAN SPECS SAY. SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN WHEN IN USE.

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Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 722958

REPLACING FUEL TANK @27862MI FUEL TANK SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. I AM NOTIFYING YOU, BECAUSE OF A POTENTIAL LOSS OF POWER. I THINK THAT I ALSO SHOULD BE REIMBURSED MY $50 DEDUCTIBLE. *AK

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ODI 806659

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THAN BACKFIRED, FINALLY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP WHEN IT SHUTS DOWN, THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT ANY NOTICE AND ANYWHERE. *AK

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ODI 810286

WHEN DRIVING ALONG SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON, PUT FOOT ON GAS AND VEHICLE STALLS AND STARTS VIBRATING. HAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS SEVEN TIMES. THEY HAVE REPLACED JIIST ABOUT EVERY PART AND STILL THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10128421 · 77,000 mi

1996 SATURN SL-1 CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. A KNOWN DEFECT TO THE SATURN CORPORATION.$2400 TO FIX! MY "CHECK ENGINE SOON" LIGHT COMES ON OFTEN. SATURN FINDS NOTHING! HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWMORECOMMENTS_REVIEW_5215_1.HTML SIMPLY "GOOGLE" SATURN + CYLINDER + HEAD HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/SATURN_ENGINE.HTML

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ODI 10224402 · 63,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL ON THE GROUND AND ALL OVER THE COOLING SYSTEM. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE KEPT FLUCTUATING INTO THE RED ZONE. THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE DIFFERENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS $2,257. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SPECIAL POLICY LETTER FROM SATURN IN JUNE OF 1999 CONCERNING A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. THE LETTER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL C…

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ODI 10676665

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING AND THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 504482

HOLE IN PLASTIC GAS LINE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHEN STRUCK BY OBJECT IN ROADWAY, CAUSING GAS LEAK.

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 707814

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. *AK

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b