1996 Saturn Sc problems
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Common 1996 Saturn Sc problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Saturn SC 1996, several common problems have been identified:
- Head Cracking in Single Cam Engines: Owners have reported issues with head cracking in single cam engines, although this problem is less common, affecting less than 5% of vehicles. It is a significant concern for some Saturn SC 1996 owners.
- Automatic Transaxle Valve Body: Another common problem is the automatic transaxle valve body going out first, leading to hard shifting or refusal to shift into 1st or reverse. This issue affects the transmission performance of the car.
- Manual Transaxle Carrier Cross Pin: Owners have experienced rare cases of the carrier cross pin coming out in manual transaxles, which can destroy the transaxle case. Although uncommon, this problem can be a serious issue for some Saturn SC 1996 owners.
- Motor and Tranny Mount Wear: Around 150,000 miles, the motor mounts and tranny mounts tend to wear out, requiring replacement to minimize further problems. This maintenance issue is crucial for the longevity of the vehicle.
- Water Temp Sensor: Some owners have reported issues with the car not idling while at a stop or in neutral, which can sometimes be resolved by replacing the water temp sensor. This simple fix can address idling issues in the Saturn SC 1996.
- Front Spring Breakage: Front spring breakage has been noted by some owners, especially after driving through rough road conditions with potholes, leading to potential repair needs. This problem can impact the suspension and handling of the vehicle.
- Electrical and Mechanical Components: Various electrical and mechanical components, such as power windows, alternators, and transmissions, have been reported to have issues by different owners. These problems can affect the overall functionality and reliability of the Saturn SC 1996.
These common problems highlight the need for regular maintenance and attention to specific components in the Saturn SC 1996 to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.
1996 Saturn Sc car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sc problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Saturn Sc vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Saturn Sc
The NHTSA has received 32 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Saturn Sc. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Saturn Sc vehicles.
2018-12-20
STRUCTURE,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-20
- VIN: 1G8ZF1281TZ
- Components: STRUCTURE,SEATS
- Summary: 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,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK5277TZ
- Components: STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-12
- VIN: 1G8ZK5274TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-05
- VIN: 1G8ZF1283TZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-19
- VIN: 1G8ZF1284TZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
2004-10-25
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-24
- VIN: 1G8ZG1277SZ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 NHTSA CAN DO ABOUT THIS, BECAUSE I CAN'T MAKE ENOUGH WAVES ON MY OWN TO GET ANYTHING DONE ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.*AK
2004-06-22
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-19
- VIN: 1G8ZE1282TZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
2004-05-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.*AK
2004-01-15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-15
- VIN: 1G8ZG5288TZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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)
2003-10-08
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZH1273TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2003-07-30
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-26
- VIN: 1G8ZE128XTZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
2003-07-09
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-03
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SHIFT LINKAGE BUSHING UNAVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER.*AK
2002-12-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. NLM
2002-12-31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DURING RAINY WEATHER ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO REAR-END ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TT
2002-10-01
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZF1288TZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 HAS TROUBLE GOING INTO GEAR. IT ALSO TUGS WHEN SHIFTING. MR
2001-05-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- VIN: 1G8ZF1284TZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
2000-12-01
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-26
- VIN: 1G8ZE1282TZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1999-10-08
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZE1286TZ
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: 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 TOWEL UNDER THE SEAT TO MAKE IT FIT.
1999-10-06
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-30
- VIN: 1G8ZE128XTZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
1999-02-19
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-07
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE CONTINUALLY LEAKS WATER INTO VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AS WELL AS CARPETING ETC.
1998-08-24
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-24
- VIN: 1G8ZE1282TZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AT 52000, SECOND PORT DEVELOPED A CRACK ALLOWING OIL INTO COOLING SYSTEM.
1997-10-27
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH5288TZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DURING COLLISION SEAT BACK COLLAPSED.
1997-09-09
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-05
- VIN: 1G8ZF1287TZ
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C SYSTEM FAILED.
1997-09-09
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-13
- VIN: 1G8ZF1287TZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED.
1997-09-09
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-02
- VIN: 1G8ZF1287TZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GENERATOR FAILURE, CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY IN TRAFFIC.
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