Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 38 | 1.2× | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 21 | −22% | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2000 | 7 | −74% | 7 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 1999 | 24 | typical | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 13 | −52% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 1997 | 33 | typical | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 1996 | 26 | typical | — | Engine | Average |
| 1995 | 39 | 1.7× | 2 | Seat | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median SC year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Saturn SC problems
Latest Saturn SC recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles were built with an improperly adjusted automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly.
Remedy: Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a console armrest fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." the armrests were produced with a latch that will not withstand the vertical force requirements of the standard.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the console armrest latch.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." these vehicles were produced with brake pipe attachment nuts that May not be tightened to specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake pipe nuts for leakage, verify they are tightened to specifications, and replace the brake pipes if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Saturn SC should you avoid?
1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other SC years at the same age, led by seats problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the Saturn SC?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other SC years at the same age, followed by 1998 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Saturn SC problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (39), engine & cooling (36) and air bags (25). Electrical complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Saturn SC had?
12 recalls across 1995–2002. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Saturn SC recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.