Three problems related to manual transmission floor shifter have been reported for the 1996 Saturn SL2. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
5 speed transmission shifter connection inside console broke off causing car to come to a full stop in the middle of the road. Could not move car at all because shifter was no longer connected to the shifter cable. Transmission remained in neutral. Part turned out to be made of plastic and cost only $10 plus tax.
I was backing out of a parking spot when my shift went loose. My car was stuck in reverse. After removing the center console it was determined that my shifter bushing holding the cable to my shifter broke off. I contacted Saturn, but they informed me this part is only part of a cable kit which sells for $169. Saturn will not sell the bushing alone. The cable is currently being held on with duct tape.
Plastic bushing that connects the shift lever to the manual transmission breaks whithout any warning, and leaves you without the ability toshift. This happened while pulling onto the interstate highway and almost caused an accident.