Most common 2000 Saturn SC problems
Share of the 7 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 →
2000 Saturn SC recalls (7)
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.
Structure › Body › Bumpers
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 581, "bumper standard." these vehicles were produced with rear bumper fasteners that May be loose or missing.
Remedy: Dealers will verify that the rear bumper beam fasteners are present and properly tightened and, if missing, install new fasteners.
Show 1 more recall
Unknown or other
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were manufactured with welds in the instrument panel carrier assembly that do not meet Saturn quality standards.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the vehicle's instrument panel carrier assembly.
2000 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 2000 Saturn SC a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 SC rates better than average: 74% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SC at the same age. It is one of the best SC years by this measure. 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 2000 Saturn SC?
The wheels & tires — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sidewall. Next are the electrical system (2) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn SC have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2000 Saturn SC, the most recent from October 12, 2000 (park/neutral start interlock switch). 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 2000 Saturn SC problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 142,000 miles; 0% 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.