Most common 1996 Saturn SW problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn SW complaints by model year
Best SW years: 2001, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998, 1997. Compare all years →
What 1996 Saturn SW owners say
Engine & cooling
The saturnsw2 gasket cover warped year after year;they redesigned it;it should be covered under a recall; many thousands of these covers have put people in danger of a fire with the oil leaks;the expense of changing out the engine is horrific, for a cheap piece of plastic they no longer make from plastic; it is now aluminum or some form of metal. Small leaks are one thing;these major leaks are another.
With the gasket failure, the oil and coolant mixed within the engine, the dealer had the engine flushed out and I had it back in 1 week, 2 months later while driving to work , it wouldn't shift into 2rd gear,. Had to drive it down to the dealer's 2.5 hours from home . Got it back 1 week later. Ever since the engine was worked on we've had an oil leak, the dealership said the leakage was in normal range . We use 1-3 qts every month .
Electrical system
While traveling 30 MPH, the compartment began filling with gray smoke. Electrical wiring from the steering smoldered and melted. Please describe details. Mr
While driving the oil pressure and battery lights illuminated.
Brakes
Driving on back road, brake pedal repeatedly went straight to floor without resistance. Had to use engine braking and hand brake to slow or stop car. Gas station attendant reported full brake fluid reservoir. Normal braking resumed spontaneously on way home. Dealer unable to replicate problem and claims inability to diagnose or repair.
ABS: when applying brakes during panic stopping, wheels lock up, vehicle skids, fishtails, rearend of vehicle spuns out, causing moderate loss of vehicle control, no warning, three occurrences, speed 30 to 35 MPH.
1996 Saturn SW engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 35 / 28 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Saturn SW a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 SW rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the SW at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Saturn SW?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (5) and brakes (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Saturn SW have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Saturn SW. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn SW?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1998 and 1997. See the full Saturn SW years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Saturn SW problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 161,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.