MYRModel Year Report

1996 Saturn SC1

▲ Better than typical
1996 Saturn SC1
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:47:40.391Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn SC1 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1996 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 25 complaints 2001
1996: 39 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19916
199215
199358
199482
199559
199639
199761
199839
199921
20008
200125

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 26%

26% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

HORN STARTED BLOWING ALL BY ITSELF, I COULD NOT GET IT TO STOP , THEN AN ELECTRICAL SMELL (BURNING) . MY HUSBAND DISCONNECTED THE HORN FUSE AND BATTERY , INSPECTION OF FUSE SHOWED IT HAD BLOWN .

NHTSA ODI report, 20120819

THE BATTERY CABLES INSULATIONS SHORTED OUT BECAUSE IT RUBBED ON THE BATTERY BRACKET AND ENGINE. *AK *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030609

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT A PISTON ROD BROKE AND WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE, A LARGE HOLE WAS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. *AK *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030701

I OWN A 96 SATURN SC2. I PURCHASED IT IN APRIL OF 2000, WITH 43,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SINCE THEN, I HAVE DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MILES, NOTICING A SIGNIFICANT OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021228

VISIBILITY 10%

10% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ● 1993 ● 1995

WORST YEARS

◆ 1994 ● 1997 ● 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Saturn SC1 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Saturn SC1 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Saturn SC1?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SC1 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.