1996 Saturn S-Series Saturn S-Series 1996

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1996 Saturn S-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (64%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (21%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (7%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (0%)

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Chart based on 14 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1996 Saturn S-Series.

1996 Saturn S-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (7%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (43%)

< $100 (29%)

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Chart based on 14 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1996 Saturn S-Series

Engine not specified

Saturn in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Jan 2017
Jun 2016

249000 mi

US $100
Both ignition modules were corroded and needed replacement. Wires were corroded at the ignition module connection and needed replacement also 
Saturn in Ohio, United States
Feb 2014 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

200000 mi

US $350
replaced cylinder head 
Saturn in Michigan, United States
Dec 2010 - Aug 2011
Jan 2011

248000 mi

US $125
Had to replace the original starter motor. Replaced it myself with re-manufactured part from Autozone, $125 

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1996 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2018
Apr 2011

176000 mi

US $50
Overflow due to faulty coolant reservoir cap 
Jul 2011

177200 mi
Coolant leak via intake manifold and Excessive Oil consumption of 200mi/qt. Successful replacement of Cylinder head to solve both issues. 
Sep 2011

178000 mi

US $1300
Previous replacement of cylinder head did not stop high oil consumption issue. Engine completely rebuilt by owner from the ground up. New oil return rings used, oil drain back holes added to pistons. New compression rings added of course. 
Saturn in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2012
Mar 2011

226000 mi

US $89
Muffler had rusted out and was replaced under warranty after 5 years of service, with replacement of clamp. I paid for clamp and labor to replace the muffler under the Midas warranty. 
Oct 2011

247000 mi

US $600
Plugged EGR passages. Removed EGR passage way and cleaned was 3/4 plugged full of soot and carbon. 
Jul 2012

253000 mi

US $600
Transmission shifting cable broke on road. Towed and had it replaced, solenoid valves for clutch and transmission were bad. Would cost $600 more repair. Scrapped car. 

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1996 Saturn S-Series 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Saturn in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2010 - May 2017
Jan 2011

149000 mi

US $200
Replaced Rack and Pinon Steering 
Oct 2011

159000 mi

US $110
Replaced leaking radiator 
Saturn in Illinois, United States
Dec 2010 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011

138000 mi

US $50
EGR Valve needed cleaning, ECTS replaced with brass one, Cleaned throttle body 

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1996 Saturn S-Series 2-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Saturn in Michigan, United States
Nov 2010 - Sep 2011
Aug 2011

307000 mi

US $2500
Replaced worn-out struts, springs, control arms, tie rods, and all bushings we could easily get to. 
Sep 2011

311000 mi
Car squeaks during turns at low speeds. Shop said KYB strut mounts were functioning fine, but they are noisy. They sprayed mounts with WD40 like crazy and said more driving may help, but I'm disappointed in KYB quality. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Saturn models.

1996 Saturn S-Series Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1996 Saturn S-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.