Most common 1999 Saturn SC problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn SC complaints by model year
Best SC years: 2000, 1998, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
1999 Saturn SC recalls (1)
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.
What 1999 Saturn SC owners say
Engine & cooling
I called Saturn to say my low coolant light came on during a trip. Saturn suggested a pressure test. "Saturn states pressure tested cooling system/no external leaks found/removed cam cover and found a crack in cylinder head at cam#5 journal, causing oil and coolant to mix together/needs new cylinder head,thermostat,water pump,flush of cooling system and oil & filter." the service invoice states "no oil change per customer request" . I was never asked if I wanted an oil change on 11/28; the fact is I had an oil change at Saturn 11/18!!!! Prior to my trip.(I also asked them to check it over well due to the upcoming trip-why wasn't this problem found then?-their response-we weren't looking for that. Ten days later it just apears!!!??? I asked them to change this invoice to note this error, this was not done. …
While driving the vehicle overheated and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. The consumer received a letter from the manufacturer which stated that some vehicle equipped with 1.9 liter engines May develop a crack internal to the cylinder head. The letter also stated that this special policy provided coverage for a period of 6 years/100000 miles. At approximately 45000 miles a crack was discovered. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle until the consumer authorized a $500. Diagnostic. The consumer refused.
Air bags
My vehicle was moving on the freeway, when I was hit from passenger side, drivers side hit concrete divider, airbag knocked me out, after front of car hit embankment, then I woke up from the smoke, smell of fire coming from airbag.
Dt:the contact owns a 1999 Saturn sc1. The contact's vehicle was involved in was in an accident on August 5, 2005 while driving at 60 MPH. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy the front driver or the front passenger air bags did not deploy. There were two occupants in the vehicle and both havd seat belts on. Pictures and police report are available. The vehicle was totaled, and one occupant sustained injuries.
1999 Saturn SC engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 36 / 29 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Saturn SC a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 SC rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the SC at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Saturn SC?
The engine & cooling — 7 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (4) and seats (3).
How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn SC have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Saturn SC, the most recent from October 20, 1999 (anchorage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn SC?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1998 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Saturn SC years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Saturn SC problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.