Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Saturn SL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
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.
While driving at or about 35 MPH car was involved in a forntal collision on wet pavement, brakes never really worked on the car, manufacturer not contacted. Dealer replaced pads and rotors three times in 22 months, due to pads and rotors being rusted. Consumer stated pads and rotors.
On 6/17/99 at 6;30 pm 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.
Upon approaching an intersection and facing a red light, attempted to slow down, but foot slipped and stepped on gas pedal, vehicle lost control, resulting in 2 collisions/injuries. Also brakes failed to stop vehicle.
Failure of the ABS brakes, consumer was driving 60 MPH and the cruisie control was on, the consumer applied force to the brake pedal and the vehicle continued to move, causing the consumer to have a collision.
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. …
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. The mechanic stated that the rotors should not have been machined because it does not meet the required minimum thickness.
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.et.
Brake complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Saturn SL, 15% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Saturn SL brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Saturn SL, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Saturn SL brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.