1996 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America
"Very Bad Car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My head gasket blew at 73,000 Miles.
Engine Oil and Coolant Mixing.
Head Cracked.
General comments?
I have found that this is a major design flaw in the Saturn 1996 SL1 cars. GM also has issued a TSB on this issue to its dealers to be done free of cost for 6 years, 100, 000 Miles.
My car is over the warranty in years, but not in mileage. Saturn tells me they will not bear any costs as the car is over warranty. Their Area Manager told me that if they have to cover the costs outside warranty they have to build a business case. Manager also told me that since I have not serviced the car since 1999 at a Saturn dealer they cannot make a business case. I have done all the maintenance work at a local mechanic and have all the documentation.
Saturn quoted the service costs as $2400. I don't know what to do please advise. If any one wants to pursue a class action suit against Saturn, I would be happy to participate. My email siddmca1@yahoo.com.
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![]() ![]() | What a piece of junk! |
![]() ![]() | Avoid Saturn |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | L24 1.9LL4 Manual |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 58630 miles |
| Most recent distance | 73185 miles |
| Date of Entry | 5th June, 2003 |

