MYRModel Year Report

1996 Saturn SW

○ Not enough data
1996 Saturn SW
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:28.542Z

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
20

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1992: 1 complaint 1992 1993: 27 complaints 1994: 30 complaints 1994 1995: 36 complaints 1996: 20 complaints 1996 20 1997: 31 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 16 complaints 2000: 15 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints
1992: 1 complaint 1992 1993: 27 complaints 1993 1994: 30 complaints 1994 1995: 36 complaints 1995 1996: 20 complaints 1996 20 1997: 31 complaints 1997 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 16 complaints 1999 2000: 15 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1992: 1 complaint 1992 1993: 27 complaints 1993 1994: 30 complaints 1994 1995: 36 complaints 1995 1996: 20 complaints 1996 20 1997: 31 complaints 1997 1998: 27 complaints 1998 1999: 16 complaints 1999 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-15

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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-01

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.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.