Tl* the contact owns a 1996 saturn sl. While making a right turn at 20 MPH, the steering wheel turned right and left independently. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear driver side of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained muscular pain that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 97v138000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 166,000.
1996 Saturn SL steering problems
20 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 150,000. 7 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 150,000
- crashes
- 7
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Steering wheel/handle bar4
- Rack and pinion3
- Linkages: tie rod assembly2
- Linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm2
- Linkages: arm: idler and attachment2
- Hydraulic power assist system2
- Gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
- Column locking: anti-theft device1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Saturn SL steering problems in other years
Related recalls
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 97V138000 · Recall details
What 1996 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system), however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn sl1. When making left turns at various speeds, the steering tightens. When making right turns, the steering becomes loose. The dealer performed a diagnostic and informed the contact that she should not have driven the vehicle because it was very unsafe. The gears fell apart internally. The contact attempted to locate cheaper parts when he discovered a recall related to his year, make, and model vehicle; however, the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer stated that the recall did not apply to saturn vehicles. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 150,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn sl2. While driving 20 MPH around a curve, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The tie rod end was replaced approximately two years before the crash with an aftermarket part, manufactured by trw automotive (part number es3238). The contact felt that the crash was caused by the disengagement of the tie rod end. The current and failure mileages were 150,000. Updated 02-01-08 *bf the consumer stated between the ball and socket steering ability was completely lost. Updated 02/01/08
Rack and pinion steering failed completely while vehicle was in operation.
Request a defect investigation for possible recall of 1990-96 saturn sl. *bf the writer's son was killed in and accident in which, per witness statements, her sons vehicle veered sharply left and hit a tree head on. The consumer believes some type of defect caused her son's accident.
My son was traveling south on the garden state parkway @ 65mpn. Slowed to exit at exit 105. As he entered the exit, he felt something break, lost steering, and the car shot to the right, the air bags deployed, and the right side of the car slid down the guard rail and came to a stop just before impacting a concrete jersey wall. The initial inspection of the vehicle revealed that the right side spindle had snapped. The arm on the spindle that the tie-rod attaches to snapped in half.
While driving 65 MPH steering malfunctioned, causing consumer to lose control.
Spindle broke off while switching lanes on the freeway. We spun across all lanes and crashed into middle divider wall.
Power steering pump shaft seal replaced due to a leak, the inner and outer tie rods on the right front of the vehicle separated due to wear.
Questions about the 1996 Saturn SL steering
Does the 1996 Saturn SL have steering problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Saturn SL, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Saturn SL steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 150,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Saturn SL steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V138000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Saturn SL have bad steering?
The Saturn SL model years with the most steering complaints are 1995 (37 complaints), 1996 (20 complaints) and 1994 (11 complaints).
Other 1996 Saturn SL problems
Engine 63Brakes 43Electrical 39Transmission 37Airbags 18Acceleration 17Seats 15Visibility 15Tires 13Body 10Fuel system 8Suspension 8Seat belts 6Locks 5Lights 4Wheels 1
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