1996 Saturn Sedan problems

Common 1996 Saturn Sedan problems

Based on the complaints and issues reported by owners of the 1996 Saturn SL sedan, several common problems have been identified:

• Fine Wire Electrode Spark Plugs:
  • The Saturn SL has a distributorless ignition system that requires specific spark plugs. Using narrow fine wire electrodes can cause problems like misfiring and poor performance. It is recommended to use OE spark plugs like NGK BKR5ESA-11 for DOHC and BKR4ESA-11 for SOHC models to avoid issues.

• Throttle Position Sensor Failure:
  • The throttle position sensor in the 1996 Saturn SL has a higher failure rate, leading to symptoms like high idle speeds. If restarting the car causes the idle to drop back to normal, the issue likely lies with the TPS. It is advised to opt for OE parts for replacement to ensure quality and reliability.

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
  • While not extremely common, the crankshaft position sensor can fail, especially when the engine is hot. This failure can result in the engine stalling and refusing to restart until it cools down. Aftermarket replacements are available to address this issue.

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
  • Specifically affecting 3rd generation SOHC models (00-02), this problem leads to high idle, misfires, and specific error codes. Spraying carb cleaner around the intake can help identify the issue. There are products available to fix this problem, ensuring proper engine performance.

• Broken Shifter Cable Bushing (Manual Transmission):
  • The shifter cable bushing in the manual transmission models is prone to breaking due to its plastic construction. This can cause issues with shifting, leading to a loose gear shift or difficulty in shifting gears. Replacement with a stainless steel part is recommended to address this problem effectively.

These common problems reported by owners of the 1996 Saturn SL highlight key areas of concern that can impact the performance, reliability, and safety of the vehicle.

Are Saturns good reliable cars?

Plus, for the most part, the cars were fairly reliable. Twin-cam models were consistently solid and although single-cam engines from 1992 to 1998 occasionally developed cylinder head cracks, that issue seemed to only affect a small percentage of Saturns.

How long do Saturn engines last?

Saturn engines were generally reliable and long-lasting. A 2002 Saturn SL2 came with an I4 engine that made 124 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. With regular oil changes and smooth driving, you can expect the SL2's engine to last at least 200,000 miles.

Is Saturn a safe car?

A new study has identified Pontiac and Saturn drivers as some of the safest drivers on the road today with the lowest number of on-road incidents. Meanwhile, Ram drivers were shown to have the highest number of on-road incidents.

What is the 0 60 on a 1996 Saturn?

Good enough to rock at 2421 pounds of Saturn from 0 to 60 in a short 8.1 seconds our car standard 5-speed manual made good use of the engine's Pepe Power Band equally impressive were the optional anti

1996 Saturn Sedan car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sedan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Saturn Sedan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.