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1996 Saturn SC problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Saturn SC is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical SC model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
25-29mpg

The worst 1996 Saturn SC problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    7
  • Brakes
    5
  • Electrical
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Seats
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    7
  • Brakes
    5
  • Electrical
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Seats
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Saturn SC 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1996 Saturn SC fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD21-2531-3625-29

What 1996 Saturn SC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 20, 2018 · Body, Seats · 137,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jan 28, 2017 · Body, Brakes · 91,831 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

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

Filed Jun 13, 2012 · Electrical · MD

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.

Filed Feb 22, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 11,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jun 20, 2007 · 33,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2004 · Locks · 105,000 miles · FL

I drive a 1996 saturn sc-1. While trying to back out of the driveway yesterday, the gearshift went "limp" and I was unable to put the car into gear and drive. I removed the center console, and found that what I later found out to be the "shifter linkage bushing" had broken in half, and would need to be replaced. Should have been a simple fix. After two auto parts stores, the saturn dealership, and a lot of online research, I find out that saturn decided to stop making that part, and that the only way to fix the problem is to replace the entire cable assembly going into the transmission. So, for a .50 cent part, I would be forced to pay several hundred dollars to get this fixed, as replacing a bushing is something I am capable of doing at home, but cracking open the transmission is not. I am appalled that saturn doesn't make or carry the parts to replace an item on a car that is only 8 years old. I realize they still have a fix for this, but I would categorize that fix as extortion. I thought I was alo0ne with this problem, but it is well documented on the web by other saturn owners. Here is a good link to a forum discussing this: http://www.chaosmagnet.com/blog/archives/000112.html I am currently using zip ties to keep the linkage in place because I refuse to pay four or five hundred dollars, (the part alone cost almost $200) to fix this. I pray there is something the federal safety agency can do about this, because I can't make enough waves on my own to get anything done about this. Thank you in advance.

Filed Jun 22, 2004 · Visibility · 888,900 miles · MI

Windshield wipers turn "on" in the "off" position. I must turn "on" the wipers in order to turn them "off". No delay wiper speed.

Filed May 20, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 80,200 miles · CA

While driving down the freeway on my way to work in rush hour traffic my car began to shake. As I slowed there was a tearing sound from the drivers front tire. Almost instantly parts from that part of the car, such as the fender and wheel well, began breaking off of the car. Then I felt something rip out from under the dashboard at my feet and the car began to practically steer itself, I realized that I was in trouble. I was able to get the car off the road without hurting myself or anyone else. When I got out of the car I could see that from the front bumper to the front of the drivers side door the car had been stripped down to the frame. The main wiring harness that runs from the battery, through the side of the car and into the dash had been ripped out and wrapped around the front axel. This has resulted in my vehicle being a total loss. The estimate for repairs is $3,600.00 and once the car is repaired there is no guarantee that there may be further damage within the electrical system of the car. The insurance company will be picking the car up from the shop tomorrow. There is no reason why the main wiring harness for a vehicle should be wired through a fiberglass fender assembly and secured to it. This is a major design problem.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 73,815 miles · MD

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)

Filed Oct 8, 2003 · Electrical · TN

The vehicle is currently experiencing horn problems. The fuse have to be removed in order for the horn to stop blowing. Currently, vehicle is being driven without the use of the horn. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified, but they insist that a recall has not been initiated.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Saturn SC before you buy

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Questions about the 1996 Saturn SC

Is the 1996 Saturn SC reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 1996 Saturn SC, fewer than a typical SC model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Saturn SC?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints. Next is brakes (5).

How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SC have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Saturn SC get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Saturn SC range from 25 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-25 city and 31-36 highway.

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