53 of the
369 complaints about the 1996 Saturn SL are about the
braking system — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
97,770 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
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 BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY DECEMBER 5, 2006. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS A NICE DAY, AND THAT THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CONTACT PULLED MUSCLES IN HER BODY, AND WAS CURRENTLY ON MUSCLE RELAXANTS. THE CONTACT ASKED THE SATURN DEALER FOR THE DAMAGED PARTS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE THROWN AWAY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES PULSATING AND GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE CAR. THE CONTACT STATED HAD BRAKE WORK DONE IN 2001 AT 36,000 MILES, THE BRAKE CALIPERS HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA BY THE RHODE ISLAND STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
NHTSA complaint #10177314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,650 milesTucson, AZ
PARKING BRAKE
I HAVE A 1996 SATURN SL1. ONE DAY I WENT TO PULL UP THE PARKING BRAKE AND FOUND THAT THE LITTLE BUTTON HAD POPPED OFF AND LANDED ON THE DASH, THE SPRING ENDED UP ON THE FLOOR. THE BUTTON IS PLASTIC AND ONE SIDE THAT LATCHED IN TO KEEP IT IN PLACE APPARENTLY BROKE. TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE I WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE SPRING AND BUTTON BACK ON AND ENGAGE THE BRAKE, THEN LET IT POP OFF AGAIN OR JUST TAKE IT OFF. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REPLACE IT YET AS I UNDERSTAND THEY DON'T SELL JUST THE PART FOR THE 1996 SATURN.
NHTSA complaint #10160953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON ITS ON. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP BY TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES, THEN RESTARTED IT AND DROVE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ABS CONTROL UNIT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10115199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,770 milesFaribault, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10041569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Turnersville, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN GOING FROM A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED TO A LOW RATE OF SPEED (65 MPH TO 25 MPH OR 40 MPH TO 15 MPH) THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHILE THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. ALSO, WHEN APPLYNG THE BRAKES, THE CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS STOP WITHIN THE NORMAL DISTANCE . WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND SLOWING TO A RATE OF ABOUT 15 MPH ENTERING A HIGHWAY RAMP, LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR ON THE WET ROADWAY WHCIH CAUSED ME TO SKID AND GO UP ONTO THE CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAD APPROX. $2500 WORTH OF DAMGE. LUCKILY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO THE 5 PEOPLE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS DUE TO ROADWAY CONDITIONS UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 20 MPH SLOWING FOR A STOP SIGN AHEAD. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THANKFULLY, THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT THIS TIME. AGAIN, IT WAS RAINING LIGHTLY. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #766456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kempt, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
AT 65 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, PEDAL FELT HARD, AND WOULD NOT DEPRESS. DASH INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8015836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #785890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #785890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
ONE TIME AT A STOP SIGN, PRESS THE BRAKING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT NO BRAKING EFFECT. AFTER ADJUSTING THE REAR DRUM OR DISK, PROBLEM DID NOT REPEAT. THE CAR'S ALTERNATOR WAS DEAD AFTER ONLY 36000 BUT DEALER WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CAR START TO SHAKING FROM THE START TO END OF BRAKING PROCESS. DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.
NHTSA complaint #739366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesquite, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE FAILURE WHEN COMING TO A STOP.BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR CAR WAS VERY SLOW TO STOP.AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE BRAKE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM.THE SECOND FAILURE WAS AT THE SAME SPEED 35 M/H WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL HAVING THE SAME ACTION.SATURN WAS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM THE SECOND TIME AND TESTED IT TWO TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #734259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesquite, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE FAILURE WHEN COMING TO A STOP.BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR CAR WAS VERY SLOW TO STOP.AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE BRAKE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM.THE SECOND FAILURE WAS AT THE SAME SPEED 35 M/H WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL HAVING THE SAME ACTION.SATURN WAS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM THE SECOND TIME AND TESTED IT TWO TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #734259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Miam, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE PARTS CORRODED CAUSING DAMAGE TO ROTORS AND CALIPERS.
NHTSA complaint #784281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHILE DRIVING BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED,CAUSING NO BRAKING ABILITY. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE. SATURN SAID IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED IT WOULD AFFECT THE BRAKING SYSTEM, AND THAT WAS THE REASON WHY VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #869723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
1,2,3. BRAKES HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. FIRST KNOWN PROBLEM WAS ABOUT 08/99 WHEN DEALER FOUND PITTED & BLISTERED REAR BRAKE ROTORS. REPLACED THEM "AS A FAVOR" SINCE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY (LESS THAN 36,000 MILES). I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT LOWER GAS MILEAGE AND FEELING LIKE CAR WAS "DRAGGING" AND HAD BEEN TOLD EARLIER THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS - USE A LOWER GEAR. IN JUNE, 2000, I NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT REAR BRAKE DISK WAS GLOWING RED AFTER A 36 MILE FREEWAY DRIVE. LATER, WHEN I WAS ABLE TO GET UNDER THE CAR, I FOUND THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CALIPER WAS FROZEN IN THE "ON" POSITION. WD40 AND MUSCLE FREED IT, BUT IT HAD TO BE LEFT OFF AT ALL TIMES. THE DEALER FOUND THE DISKS TO BE WARPED, CALIPER RUINED AND FRONT DISKS ALSO WARPED. PADS WERE NOT TERRIBLY WORN ON THE FRONT. I HAVE ROUTINELY GONE 50,000 ON PADS IN PREVIOUS CALLS; THE REAR PADS ON THIS CAR HAD LESS THAN 15,000!! AGAIN, DEALER IMPLIED IT WAS MY FAULT AND NOT A DEFECT BY SATURN. #4. SPEED CONTROL - DEVICE BEGAN ERRATIC FUNCTION - SPED UP AND SLOWED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING; AT TIMES WOULDN'T TURN ON. DEALER FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NO NOTICE OF THIS PROBLEM. #5. IGNITION SWITCH - STARTED HAVING DIFFICULTY IN TURNING ON OR FULLY OFF (LOCKED POSITION). FIRST TOLD BY DEALER IT MUST BE JAMMED WITH KEY SHAVINGS-IF KEY SHOWS BRASS COLOR, MUST BE REPLACED. DEALER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A GROOVE IN THE SWITCH HOUSING-DUE TO USE OF A "HEAVY KEY CHAIN BY PREVIOUS OWNER". I PAID 50% - LOOKS LIKE CHEAP, SOFT METAL HOUSING-DESIGN FLAW. #6. HORN FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AT AROUND 26,000 MILES - 3 1/2 YEAR OLD CAR. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I WONDER WHAT WILL FAIL NEXT - ALL OF THESE COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #729064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poughkeepsie, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS & FOUND THAT ROTORS WERE CORRODED ON THE INSIDE. DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION IN JUNE & SAID NOTHING TO THE CONSUMER ABOUT ROTOR CORROSION. CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. *AK THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ROTORS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MACHINED BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIRED MINIMUM THICKNESS.
NHTSA complaint #866317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Okeechobee, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO THE BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR WHEEL BEING CORRODED. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Okeechobee, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO THE BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR WHEEL BEING CORRODED. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jersey City, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
AT APPROOX. 25MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, PRESSED THE BRAKES WHICH TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, REPAIRED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #9000544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
UPON ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP CONSUMER NOTED THAT VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP, CAUSING SOME EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STAND STILL , IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER NOTED THAT 1ST. THE CALIPERS. THEN , MASTER CYLINDER FAILED/NOT RELEASING, CAUSING BRAKES TO GRAB. *AK.ET.
NHTSA complaint #860921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN TRAVELING DOWN AN INCLINE ABOUT 25 MPH AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, ALSO, EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGANGED IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #851573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belfast, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, NJCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Audubon, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #781978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Audubon, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #781978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reseda, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
BRAKE ADJUSTER BENT.
NHTSA complaint #605080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wayland, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION.
NHTSA complaint #521851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wayland, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION.
NHTSA complaint #521851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenosha, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE PADS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #538969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenosha, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE PADS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #538969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenosha, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKES PADS REPLACED FOUR TIMES, ROTORS FAILED ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #538969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.