MYRModel Year Report

1996 Saturn SW

○ Not enough data
1996 Saturn SW
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:36:54.941Z

Only 20 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 20 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 SW Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1992: 1 complaints 1992 1993: 27 complaints 1994: 30 complaints 1994 1995: 36 complaints 1996: 20 complaints 1996 1997: 31 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 16 complaints 2000: 15 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1996: 20 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19910
19921
199327
199430
199536
199620
199731
199827
199916
200015
20016

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE ENGINE'S HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED. *NM

NHTSA ODI report, 20040115

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE COMPARTMENT BEGAN FILLING WITH GRAY SMOKE. ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM THE STEERING SMOLDERED AND MELTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20021101

Also filed under STEERING

POWER TRAIN

3 of 20 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing banjo housing and cooling unit and lines.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 of 20 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing mounting and filler pipe and cap.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Saturn SW 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 SW?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SW 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.