1996 Saturn SL brakes problems

Filed Dec 29, 2006 · Brakes · 52,000 miles · RI · 1 injury

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 the federal safety agency by the rhode island state attorney's office.

Filed Jun 28, 2006 · Brakes · 138,650 miles · AZ

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.

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Brakes · MO

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.

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 97,770 miles · MN

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.

Filed Aug 30, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2002 · Brakes · TX

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.

Filed Feb 23, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

The alternator failed.

Filed Jan 15, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Oct 13, 2000 · Brakes · TX

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.

Filed Sep 6, 2000 · Brakes · FL

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.