1996 Saturn SC1 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 21%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,586miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Saturn SC1, 21% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,586 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own 1996 Saturn sc2 purchased in 2007,it is sporty and I fell in love with it. Now however I am very unhappy,the starter went first,them the generator. The other day my husbands subaru was down while running him for parts my check engine light came on flashing the car started missing bucking and lost power,I managed to get it home,I am disabled my husband is laid off & does all repair work,has tried everything and it makes no difference. The car has had a oil leak since I purchased it we have been unable to find were it is,and it just gets worse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267543, filed 2009-05, 95,580 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10026349, filed 2003-07, 47,592 miles“This has been an ongoing problem with Saturn generally and Saturn (galles) of albuquerque, nm specifically. 3 separate times they have wrecked my engine! This has been due to oil leakage into the spark plugs and the valve gasket cover is warped. This has yet to have been corrected properly by Saturn. I have now taken it to another mechanic who is able to fix it correctly. It has not caused a safety isuue...yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10105650, filed 2005-01“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. When on the highway, it will use approximately a quart every 500 miles. Around town, I can squeeze out more, around needing one quart every 1,000 miles. I have heard complaints from others, and feel that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. I myself work on cars all the time and know to check and add oil (much cheaper than an overhaul). …”
NHTSA complaint #10000405, filed 2002-12“Concerns of possible cracking in cylinder head. Saturn repaired the part but would not reimburse the consumer for repair cost due to the vehicle exceeding the warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10044097, filed 2003-10Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 3 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 10% |
| 1998 | 13 | 33% |
| 1997 | 11 | 18% |
| 1996 | 8 | 21% |
| 1995 | 7 | 12% |
| 1994 | 13 | 16% |
| 1993 | 9 | 16% |
| 1992 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Saturn SC1
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Saturn SC1
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology