1996 Saturn SC Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1996 Saturn SC recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 1996 Saturn SC.

Most common 1996 Saturn SC problems

Problem areas named in the 26 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	6
Engine And Engine Cooling	6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4
Structure	4
Suspension	3
Seats	3
Equipment	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Power Train	2
Steering	1

What owners report

2018-12-20, Structure
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.

2017-01-28, Structure
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

2012-06-13, Electrical System
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.

2008-02-22, Engine And Engine Cooling
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

2007-06-20, Unknown Or Other
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.

1996 Saturn SC questions

Does the 1996 Saturn SC have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 1996 Saturn SC at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Saturn SC?

Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (6), Engine And Engine Cooling (6), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (4).

How do I check if a recall on my 1996 Saturn SC has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.