1996 Saturn SL engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 68 complaints for the 1996 Saturn SL, 18% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.

Complaints: 68 18% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 90,000 miles 18 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 1 and 2
Injuries and deaths: 1 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Based on 18 complaints that include mileage. 6% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	1
20k to 40k miles	0
40k to 60k miles	0
60k to 80k miles	7
80k to 100k miles	5
100k to 120k miles	1
120k to 140k miles	2
140k to 160k miles	2
160k to 180k miles	0
180k to 200k miles	0
200k+ miles	0

What the data shows

Of the 18 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 90,000 miles, and 6% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury.

What owners wrote

Engine malfunction not corrected despite being serviced 7 times and replacing: spark plugs and wires, fuel injectors, and valves. Front driver's window exploded because of malfunctioning electronic switch--caused injury to driver. Owners wish to have money back or replacement.

February 1996 Injury

I noticed that the temperature gauge would go 3/4 towards the red. If I am stopping at a light, the temperature gauge keep going 3/4 towards the red, then goes back very slowly to the middle. I have been informed that I would need to replace my gasket. This would cost approximately $1,200.

Reported at 103,000 miles, January 2014

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Saturn models