2000 Saturn SC1 Problems & Complaints

Better than average72% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SC1 at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2000 Saturn SC1 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 72% fewer than a typical SC1 model year at the same age, making the 2000 one of the better SC1 years. The most reported problem area is the locks & latches (2 complaints, typically around 150,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

8complaints
2recalls
3crashes
0fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2000 Saturn SC1 problems

  • Locks & latches~150,000 miles
    225%
  • Air bags~46,000 miles
    225%
  • Electrical system~150,000 miles
    225%
  • Suspension
    113%
  • Seat belts~57,000 miles
    113%
  • Steering~74,000 miles
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Saturn SC1 complaints by model year

19951996199719981999200020015939613921825
Owner complaints per model year, Saturn SC1. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best SC1 years: 2000, 1999, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997. Compare all years →

2000 Saturn SC1 recalls (2)

Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA recall 00V-310 · Oct 12, 2000 · 65,000 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 00V-309 · Oct 12, 2000 · 6,092 vehicles

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2000 Saturn SC1 a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 SC1 rates better than average: 72% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SC1 at the same age. It is one of the best SC1 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 SC1?

The locks & latches — 2 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about doors › latch. Next are the air bags (2) and electrical system (2).

How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn SC1 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2000 Saturn SC1, 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 SC1?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1999 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1997. See the full Saturn SC1 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2000 Saturn SC1 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 40% 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.