Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 1996 Saturn SW with NHTSA between 1996 and 2009.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Saturn SW. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1996 Saturn SW
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
722.6%
Engine & Cooling
619.4%
Median failure at 94,000 miles
Electrical System
516.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
39.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
39.7%
Seats
13.2%
Wheels
13.2%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.2%
Lights
13.2%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Suspension
13.2%
Steering
13.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1996peak 6Jan 2009
Recalls on the 1996 Saturn SW
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1996027101 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, some of the welds between the roof and roof internal reinforcement panels may not meet specifications. In a crash there is a possibility of a partial separation of the roof panel flange sides, exposing an occupant to an increased risk of injury. Correction: Structural fasteners will be installed along the vehicle roof flange, on both sides of the vehicle.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Ayer, MAFire
STEERING
WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE COMPARTMENT BEGAN FILLING WITH GRAY SMOKE. ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM THE STEERING SMOLDERED AND MELTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ayer, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE COMPARTMENT BEGAN FILLING WITH GRAY SMOKE. ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM THE STEERING SMOLDERED AND MELTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omoha, NECrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SPEED CONTROL: DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, ATTEMPTING TO EXIT ON A OFF RAMP, TRIED TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT GO OFF, COULD NOT BRAKE. EXITED OFF RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, WENT THROUGH STOP SIGN, ENTERED ANOTHER HIGHWAY, HIT CURB AND MEDIAN, AND VEHICLE STOPPED. *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #813124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 161,000 milesHooksett, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10255221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
SEATS
REGARDING A WIRE THAT BROKE OFF ON THE SEAT OF HIS 1996 SATURN SW2 WAGON AND IS STICKING UP VERTICALLY -WIRE WENT THROUGH HIS PANTS AND SKIN**CC CONSUMER STATED CONTACTED SATURN ESTABLISHMENT AND WAS INFORMED BY SATURN FACTORY TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER. DEALER INFORMED CUSTOMER ENTERING THE CAR INCORRECTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10189019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING THE OIL PRESSURE AND BATTERY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. *MR *SC
NHTSA complaint #10092220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE OIL PRESSURE AND BATTERY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. *MR *SC
NHTSA complaint #10092220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBrewster, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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 complaint #10054109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ayer, MAFire
STEERING
WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE COMPARTMENT BEGAN FILLING WITH GRAY SMOKE. ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM THE STEERING SMOLDERED AND MELTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ayer, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE COMPARTMENT BEGAN FILLING WITH GRAY SMOKE. ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM THE STEERING SMOLDERED AND MELTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #754821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ON DRIVEWAY, JUST SMALL PUDDLES. DEALER REPLACED HOUSING UNIT BECAUSE OF CRACKS TO TRANSMISSION.*AK CONSUMER FEELS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #890906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:BANJO HOUSING
CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ON DRIVEWAY, JUST SMALL PUDDLES. DEALER REPLACED HOUSING UNIT BECAUSE OF CRACKS TO TRANSMISSION.*AK CONSUMER FEELS THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE AND IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #890906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bingham, ME
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 .
NHTSA complaint #746521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bingham, ME
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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 .
NHTSA complaint #746521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honeoye Falls, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WANT TO REPORT DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WHICH FREEZES AT 31 DEGREES F MANUFACTURED BY R.H. CROWN CO. JOHNSTOWN NEW YORK 12095 BOTTLE STATES FREEZING TEMP AT -20 DEGREES F. FROZE IN THE LINES IN MY VEHICLE. WHEN ENGINE HEAT MELTED THE LINES IN THE FRONT THE FLUID FROZE IMMEDIATELY ON THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO CLEAR WINDSHIELD THIS MORNING. DANGEROUS SITUATION AT BEST IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #738659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH GAS LINE UNDER REAR SEAT BLEW UP, TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED CABLES AND GAS LINE. *AK THE FUEL FILLER DOOR WILL NOT STAY SHUT, BECAUSE THE DOOR RELEASE CABLE HAD BEEN BENT BY FOREING OBJECT.
NHTSA complaint #874353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH GAS LINE UNDER REAR SEAT BLEW UP, TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED CABLES AND GAS LINE. *AK THE FUEL FILLER DOOR WILL NOT STAY SHUT, BECAUSE THE DOOR RELEASE CABLE HAD BEEN BENT BY FOREING OBJECT.
NHTSA complaint #874353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
GASKET THAT SEALS THE GAS LINE TO GAS PUMP BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED FUEL TO SPRAY ONTO ENGINE BLOCK, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. ANOTHER VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER WILL REPLACE THE GASKET AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #860670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angele, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
DESIGN OF HORN LOCATION MAKE IT HARD TO LOCATED THE HORN WHEN NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #605666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopatcong, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WRONG SPARK PLUG INSTALLED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITANTLY.
NHTSA complaint #531997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopatcong, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE RUNS ROUGH CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA complaint #531997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopatcong, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WRONG GAS PLUGS WERE INSTALLED IN VEHICLE DURING MANUFACTURING. PROBLEM CAUSED STALLING AND OTHER PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #820757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, IN
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE MISALIGNMENT CAUSING VIBRATION/TIRE WEAR.
NHTSA complaint #508877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
FRONT BRAKE GRINDING UPON BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #508877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ROTORS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #508877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
FRONT PADS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #508877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, IN
WHEELS:RIM
RIM BENT.
NHTSA complaint #508877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.