1996 Saturn SC: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
26
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 26 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)2 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)2 complaints
“Drivers seat won't stay in upright position when I lean back with slight pressure, whether I am in motion or not. This has been an ongoing problem for about a month. As a previous owner of many cars, I have never heard of this type of problem. Also the trunk latch is not operable using the cable.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2018
“Ligthly applied brake to slow down to stop at intersection; though I had foot pressing hard on brake car would not stop, entered intersection and struck a passing car; this was within an hour of picking up the car from garage where repairs had been done because of this problem; air bags did not activate at impact”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 sc1 saturn. The contact stated that the horn sounded independently while the vehicle was parked overnight. The vehicle was not equipped with an anti-theft system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection who advised that the fuse would have to be removed in order to shut the horn off. In addition, the horn assembly would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was contacted and stated that the contact's vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 18,782.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“As the original owner of a 1996 saturn sc1 with 68,000 miles, this car has had four head gaskets replaced originating when this car was under a year old. In addition to these repeated catastrophic engine failures multiple replacements of alarm systems, radio, electrical issues and a defective front seat. This is what I purchased from saturn and I have all documentation. The most recent head gasket failure occurred in november '06. As I was exasperated by saturn and this vehicle I was sold, I sued the saturn corporation in the richmond county small claims division for the cost of the fourth head gasket. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 saturn sc. The contact stated that when he purchased the vehicle, the dashboard had one long crack and one short crack. The current mileage is 42,000 and failure mileage was 33,000.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2006
“Windshield wipers turn "on" in the "off" position. I must turn "on" the wipers in order to turn them "off". No delay wiper speed.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2004
“June 1999 saturn sent a notice regarding the cylinder head defect that may occur. They extended warranty to 100,000 miles or 6 years. However knowing there is a defect in their workmanship, I attempted contact with less than 69,000 miles on my saturn when the cylinder head showed all the signs of a crack. This included oil in the radiator. Saturn accepts no liability for this seeing it out of the six year warranty period. However it is well within the 100,000 mile mileage period.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003
“Head gasket blown, head cracked, engine oil and coolant mixing. This is a well known manufacturer's defect. Saturn says they will not cover the expenses as I am out of the warranty period (6 years or 100,000 miles)”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“Vehicle would stall periodically without any type of prior warning. Vehicle has been taken to dealer on six different occasions, and dealer replaced cranked sensor/idle speed control motor, and turned screw for idle and etc. Although repairs were done, it did not remedy the problem. Also, manufacturer was contacted by dealer. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2000
“While driving cruise control automatically took off, causing sudden acceleration up to 90 mp. ,consumer tried taking the car out of gear, but nothing solved the problem save cutting the car off. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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Is the 1996 Saturn SC reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Saturn SC. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.