Most common 2002 Saturn SC problems
Share of the 38 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 →
What 2002 Saturn SC owners say
Electrical system
Car has had issues with the starter over the years, requiring countless replacements before the recommended replacement dates. Recently, a starter lasted only 6 months before failing. When a mechanic looked at the starter, he said that there is probably something wrong with the ignition causing the starter to continuously run while the engine is on. This resulted in the starter completely burning up on the inside. Smoke was visible from this starter. The key also slips out of the ignition in any position, including when the engine is on and car is moving. There is a recall from GM affecting Saturn ignition switches and ignition cylinders, but it does not include 2002 saturns even though the problem is the same.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Saturn SC. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start until after awaiting several hours later. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. Also,the key became extremely difficult to turn in the ignition switch. In addition, the key released independently from the ignition switch on numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Air bags
Tl contact owns a 2002 Saturn sc1. The vehicle was a salvaged vehicle from a certified dealer. While driving 30 MPH, the brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a wall. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact believes it is a serious safety issue to have non-functioning air bags. The vehicle was destroyed and a police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 48,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH on a dry highway someone pulled out in front of the vehicle and the contact's vehicle was hit head on. The air bags did not deploy. The passenger side obtained the most damage. There were not any lights illuminated on the dashboard prior to the incident. There were injuries and a police report was filed at the scene.
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2002 Saturn sc1. While driving at any speed, the contact smelled coolant in the cab of the vehicle and noticed smoke coming from the tailpipe. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 02-01-08 updated 02/01/08
2002 Saturn sc1 lost engine--oil in coolant at 80,000 miles. The mechanic that disassembled the engine stated that the camshaft journals were worn so bad that the engine could not be re-built. Replaced engine 5 months ago, last week, auto transmission stopped engaging reverse gear. Discussed with local Saturn dealer who offered no help. This is my daughter's car. My car--2002 Saturn sc2 had to have an engine overhaul at 46,000 miles due to burned valves in #2 cylinder. Extended warranty covered repairs. Oil consumption prior to overhaul was excessive (qt every 1000 miles--dealer said normal) my automatic transmission has an intermittent extremely rough downshift, which was reported to Saturn dealers 4 times while in warranty. Each time, they said they could not duplicate the problem. Our family bought the car new, and recommended maintenance has been performed. …
2002 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 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Saturn SC a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 SC rates average: 1.2× 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 2002 Saturn SC?
The electrical system — 12 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the air bags (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn SC have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Saturn SC. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2002 Saturn SC problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 36% 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.