1996 Saturn Sw: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Saturn Sw: 0 recalls, 20 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2), leaks (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Saturn Sw has 20 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 11 Sw model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 19). Complaints peaked in 1997 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 94,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (36 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (31 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Saturn Sw.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Saturn Sw have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Saturn Sw. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1996 Saturn Sw problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (6), electrical (5), brakes (hydraulic) (4).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Saturn Sw get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Saturn Sw repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.