1996 SATURN SC
0 recalls, 41 complaints - 5 TSBs
No recalls found for this vehicle.
Complaint Statistics
41 total complaints
7 crashes 8 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 3 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 1 |
SEATS
Dec 20, 2018
Incident date: Nov 20, 2018
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 20, 2018
Incident date: Nov 20, 2018
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.
ENGINE
Jan 28, 2017
Incident date: Jan 26, 2017
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 ACTI... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 28, 2017
Incident date: Jan 26, 2017
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 ACTI... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 28, 2017
Incident date: Jan 26, 2017
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 ACTI... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 13, 2012
Incident date: Jun 12, 2012
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 ORD... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 22, 2008
Incident date: Nov 5, 2006
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... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
Feb 22, 2008
Incident date: Nov 5, 2006
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... Read more
SEATS
Feb 22, 2008
Incident date: Nov 5, 2006
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... Read more
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Feb 22, 2008
Incident date: Nov 5, 2006
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... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 20, 2007
Incident date: Sep 19, 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Oct 25, 2004
Incident date: Oct 24, 2004
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 ... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
Jun 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 19, 2004
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
May 20, 2004
Incident date: May 14, 2004
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... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
May 20, 2004
Incident date: May 14, 2004
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... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
May 20, 2004
Incident date: May 14, 2004
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... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Jun 15, 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)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
Oct 8, 2003
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. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jul 30, 2003
Incident date: Jul 26, 2003
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 ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
Jul 9, 2003
Incident date: Jul 3, 2003
SHIFT LINKAGE BUSHING UNAVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Dec 31, 2002
DURING RAINY WEATHER ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO REAR-END ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TT
Crash
2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 31, 2002
CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. NLM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 15, 2002
APPARENTLY SATURN AND GM KNEW THAT THE VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY IN THIS MODEL WAS WRONG. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT SATURN DEALERS AND WAS NEVER TOLD OF THIS RECURRING PROBLEM. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM SPECIFICALLY ADRESSED. THE CAR THUDS INTO REVERSE AND H... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
May 31, 2001
Incident date: Jan 1, 2000
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, ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
May 31, 2001
Incident date: Jan 1, 2000
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, ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Dec 13, 2000
Incident date: Jun 26, 1998
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
CHILD SEAT
Oct 8, 1999
FRONT OF REAR SEATS ARE HIGH-BACK OF SEAT IS LOW-CHILD CAR SEATS DO NOT FIT PROPERLY UNLESS YOU PUT SOMETHING UNDER THE SEAT TO SUPPORT IT-WHICH IS AGAINST THE LAW AND NOT SAFE FOR THE CHILD-I WAS TOLD BY SATURN THEY COULD NOT HELP ME WITH THE PROBLEM-2 MEN FROM SATURN TOLD ME TO PUT A ROLLED UP TOW... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 6, 1999
Incident date: Sep 30, 1999
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
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Feb 19, 1999
Incident date: Jan 7, 1998
VEHICLE CONTINUALLY LEAKS WATER INTO VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AS WELL AS CARPETING ETC.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Feb 17, 1999
Incident date: Jun 24, 1998
CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AT 52000, SECOND PORT DEVELOPED A CRACK ALLOWING OIL INTO COOLING SYSTEM.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Apr 29, 1998
DURING COLLISION SEAT BACK COLLAPSED.
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS
Oct 9, 1997
Incident date: Jul 24, 1997
WHILE IN COLLISION THE AIR BAG HAD NO DEPLOYMENT, DRIVER ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT OF VEHICLE.
Crash
1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Oct 9, 1997
Incident date: Jul 24, 1997
WHILE IN COLLISION, THE SEAT BELT TORE LOOSE AND DID NOT PROTECT CONSUMER.
Crash
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Oct 9, 1997
Incident date: Jun 2, 1996
GENERATOR FAILURE, CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY IN TRAFFIC.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Oct 9, 1997
Incident date: May 13, 1997
BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Oct 9, 1997
Incident date: Jun 5, 1996
A/C SYSTEM FAILED.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Jul 11, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
STEERING COLUMN MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT. *DH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Jul 11, 1996
Incident date: May 31, 1996
GLAZED ROTORS CAUSE BRAKES TO SQUEAL.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Mar 8, 1996
VEHICLE HAS POOR STABILITY,PULLING EITHER SIDES DUE TO RIGHT WHEEL BEING BENT CAUSING FRAME TO SHIFT, VEHICLE PURCHASED IN THIS CONDITION ON 01/03/96. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Mar 8, 1996
VEHICLE HAS POOR STABILITY,PULLING EITHER SIDES DUE TO RIGHT WHEEL BEING BENT CAUSING FRAME TO SHIFT, VEHICLE PURCHASED IN THIS CONDITION ON 01/03/96. *AK
SUSPENSION:REAR
Jan 16, 1996
THE REAR SUSPENSION BROKE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 SATURN SC
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 23.0 | 33.0 | 27.0 | Regular | $2,300 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 31.0 | 25.0 | Regular | $2,500 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 32.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 25.0 | 36.0 | 29.0 | Regular | $2,150 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 SATURN SC
5 manufacturer communications from 3 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 220000 SEATS | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| 138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 1 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 1 |
| 061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM) | 1 |
96-T-35D
Mar 10, 2023
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-
96-T-35D
Mar 10, 2023
138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-
96-T-35D
Mar 10, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-
130089009
Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
00T38
Jul 1, 2000
220000 SEATS
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT ABNORMAL WEAR OR A CUT ON THE INBOARD EDGE OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEAT BACK COVER. *TT
NHTSA Safety Investigations, SATURN SC
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA93016
Opened: Jun 8, 1993 , Closed: Jul 26, 1994
FR SEATBACK RECLINER FAILS
There is no summary currently available
SATURN SC - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the SATURN SC across all model years (1991, 2001).
20
Total Recalls
379
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
58
Reported Crashes
8
Reported Fires
2
Reported Deaths
SATURN SC - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.