1996 Saturn SC

○ Not enough data
1996 Saturn SC
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:52:25.782Z

Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn SC Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1993: 23 complaints 1993 1994: 51 complaints 1995: 39 complaints 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1996 1997: 33 complaints 1997 1998: 13 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 7 complaints 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 38 complaints 2002
1996: 26 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19915
199216
199323
199451
199539
199626
199733
199813
199924
20007
200121
200238

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20021231

STRUCTURE

3 of 26 total reports mention: structure.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 20170128

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181220

SEATS

2 of 26 total reports mention: seats.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181220

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

VISIBILITY

1 of 26 total reports mentions: visibility.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Saturn SC — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).

FAQ

Is the 1996 Saturn SC reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

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

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SC have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.