1996 Saturn SL SL1 L24 1.9LL4 from North America
Summary:
Very Bad Car
Faults:
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th June, 2003
31st Jan 2004, 09:29
My head gasket blew as well, although I escaped the head getting cracked. My car is a "1997", although I've had it since 1996. I have no idea how the head remained intact, as the car leaked oil for a long time before my mechanic figured out what was wrong. Per my experience with Saturn customer service, who wouldn't pay for my alternator replacement when it went out 2 days after the warranty ended, you are out of luck.