Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1993 Saturn SC1 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

58 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

122,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1993 model year. Data updated: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Seats is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 58 complaints (10.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior813.8%
Transmission and shifting23.4%
Engine operation23.4%
Electrical and battery issues23.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Seats
6
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
5
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
4
Seat Belts
4
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Seats6
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip5
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline4
Seat Belts4
Vehicle Speed Control4

Seats: 6; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 5; Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 4; Seat Belts: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 2

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 52 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
11
1996
1
1997
6
1998
4
1999
11
2000
7
2001
5
2002
3
2003
3
2004
4
2005
1
2010
1
2011
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199511
19961
19976
19984
199911
20007
20015
20023
20033
20044
20051
20101
20111

1995: 11; 1996: 1; 1997: 6; 1998: 4; 1999: 11; 2000: 7; 2001: 5; 2002: 3; 2003: 3; 2004: 4; 2005: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1

Pattern summary

Seats leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10094725 · 2004-09-30 (September 30, 2004)

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT MULTIPLE FAILURES. THE TRUNK FAILED TO CLOSE ON ITS OWN. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUNK WOULD OPEN AND WOULD NOT CLOSE, AND WILL NOT LOCK. ALSO, CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKES GRABBED SLOWLY AND CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10094725 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 488444 · 1995-09-20 (September 20, 1995)

REAR OF CAR STARTED TO PULL LEFT/APPLIED BRAKES CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL HITTING A WALL. LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF. *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 488444 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 706889 · 1999-05-26 (May 26, 1999)

MY '93 SATURN WOULD PUSH INTO THE REVERSE GEAR WHEN EVER THE CAR WAS WARM. I WAS TOLD BY A GMC AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT. AFTER GETTING A SECOND OPINION I DISCOVED THAT MANY OWNERS OF '93 SATURNS HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM. AFTER FURTHER INVESTAGATION ON MY PART I LEARNED THAT SATURN MADE A REPAIR KIT FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH COST ME $150 FOR THE KIT AND ANOTHER $150 FOR LABOR COSTS. IT WAS STATED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN THAT SATURN SENT TO TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS THAT MAJOR DAMAGE COULD BE DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION IF THIS …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 706889 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 812527 · 1997-05-27 (May 27, 1997)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: WHEN PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE DOES NOT ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY UNLESS PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR VIGOROUSLY. THERE IS A DELAY AND THE VEHICLE MOVES ABRUPTLY AND IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 812527 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10042165 · 2003-11-05 (November 5, 2003)

GENERATOR FAILED PREMATURELY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. RECALL# 93V132000 *SCC THE CONSUMER STATED THE ALTERNATOR FAILED THREE TIMES. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 35 miles reported. Look up ODI 10042165 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 535220 · 1998-05-06 (May 6, 1998)

ENGINE PISTIONS BLEW, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT/STALL.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 535220 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10042161 · 2003-11-05 (November 5, 2003)

THE BATTERY CABLE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY YEAR. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK THE SATURN DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE BATTERY CABLE. RECALL# 93V094000. *SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10042161 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 976606 · 1995-12-14 (December 14, 1995)

HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY THREE TIMES WITH ONLY SEVENTEEN THOUSAND MILES ON IT. TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 976606 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

58 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

10.3%Usable mileage6 / 58 records
77.6%Valid incident date45 / 58 records
100.0%Valid filing date58 / 58 records
77.6%Ordered incident and filing dates45 / 58 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19911992199319941995199619971998199920002001
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
233.3%
ODI 517656

DRIVER'S FRONT SEATBACK FRAME BROKE AT WELD. ALSO, PASSENGER'S MOTORIZED SEAT BELT FAILS/HESITATES TO RELEASE OR ENGAGE. *AK

Look up ODI 517656 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 838515

DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACKS BROKE WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END IMPACT. DRIVE RSUSTAINED INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 838515 at NHTSA ↗

610.3%
ODI 10009178 · 138,000 mi

THE DRIVER SEAT BACK DID NOT STAY UP. *JB

Look up ODI 10009178 at NHTSA ↗

1923.2%
ODI 528878

DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED TO REAR AFTER IMPACT TO REAR OF VEHICLE AT 25 MPH.

Look up ODI 528878 at NHTSA ↗

1118.6%
ODI 546004

SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DURING REAR END COLLISION RESULTING IN NECK AND BACK INJURY. MJS

Look up ODI 546004 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 10170846 · 33,750 mi

I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. MY VEHICLE IS A 1998 SATURN VIN[XXX]. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN A LARGE UTILITY VAN STRUCK MY VEHICLE. THE IMPACT SPEED WOULD BE AROUND 30MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER SEAT FAILED - SHIFTING ME BACK TO THE REAR SEAT AND THEN I WAS JOLTED FORWARD AND HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SEATBELT SYSTEM FAILED TO CONSTRICT MY BODY TO THE CAR SEAT. THE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED HEAD, NECK, AND SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE TO MY SHOULDER AND MID BACK AREA. *JS INF…

Look up ODI 10170846 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 822282

APPLIED BRAKES ON RAINY ROAD. VEHICLE SLID THROUGH RED LIGHT & BROADSIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER HIT SIDE LEFT WINDOW & STEERING WHEEL. THEN HIT LIGHT POLE. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER WAS UNCONSCIENCE. THE REAR SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD AFTER BEING HIT. *AK

Look up ODI 822282 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10025967

DRIVER'S SEAT COMPLETELY RECLINED DURING REAR END COLLISION, RESULTING IN NECK AND BACK INJURIES.*AK

Look up ODI 10025967 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 734983

CAR WAS STOPPED AND THEN WAS REAR ENDED BY LARGE FORD SUV. UPON INPACT DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED INTO BACK SEAT. IF THERE HAD NOT BEEN A BOOK BAG ON REAR SEAT KEEPING IT FROM GOING FLAT SHE WOULD NOT HAVE SEEN SHE WAS PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WAS THEN ABLE TO SWERVE BACK INTO HER LANE. THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. ALSO WHILE LAYING FLAT, IF HIT AGAIN SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOT UNDER THE SEAT BELT (AND AIR BAG) POSSIBLY BECOMING SERIOUSLY OR FATALY INJURED.

Look up ODI 734983 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 706571

SAMES VALVES BAD AGAIN AT 63000

Look up ODI 706571 at NHTSA ↗

46.9%
ODI 513608

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING, ENGINE TO SEIZE.

Look up ODI 513608 at NHTSA ↗

78.5%
ODI 10022219

ENGINE MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Look up ODI 10022219 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.1%
ODI 10026349 · 47,592 mi

THE CONSUMER NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT A PISTON ROD BROKE AND WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE, A LARGE HOLE WAS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. *AK *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10026349 at NHTSA ↗

711.5%
ODI 10008295 · 37,100 mi

VEHICLE HAS ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT, ENGINE IS DEAD. WILL COST OVER $3000 FOR NEW ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS, MANY PROBLEMS, AND MOST WERE NEVER FIXED. I APPROACHED THE DEALERSHIP IN SUMMER 2000 ABOUT GOING TO ARBITRATION RE: HAVING VEHICLE REPLACED, AND THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE AREA REPRESENTATIVELY NAME AND NUMBER. I GOT IT ANYWAY AND FILED A COMPLAINT. DEALER PROMISED TO RECTIFY ALL ISSUES, AND REPAIRED SEVERAL PROBLEMS, WHICH HAVE ALL RECURRED (AND WORSE) SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. PROBLEMS HAVE INCLUDED ELE…

Look up ODI 10008295 at NHTSA ↗

615.4%
ODI 10000215 · 91,000 mi

OIL PRESSURE SUDDENLY CHANGED AND FUMES CAME FROM UNDER HOOD. I PULLED CAR OFF INTERSTATE IMMEDIATELY AND CHECKED UNDER HOOD. UPON CHECKING OIL, FOUND THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY DRY. I HAVE KEPT REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON CAR, AS CAN BE VERIFIED BY SATURN. WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS A 1998 SATURN SC2 WITH 91,000 MILES.

Look up ODI 10000215 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 8012110

WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THERE WAS A CLUNK TYPE NOISE AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE STALLED. DEALER NOTICED VALVE SPRING WAS BROKEN. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED. *AK DEALER FOUND SPRING VALVE BROKE, CAUSING THE PISTON TO HIT THE VALVE AND BEND THE VALVE. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A RESULT OF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. SATURN FINALLY AGREED TO PAY A PORTION OF COST TO INSTALL NEW ENGINE. *TT

Look up ODI 8012110 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 10180861 · 112,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING IN THE CENTER LANE ON A 3-LANE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. NO LIGHTS WERE VISIBLE ON THE DASHBOARD PRIOR TO THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR SWERVED INTO THE RIGHT LANE STRIKING ANOTHER MOTORIST AND THEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL MAKING AT LEAST TWO FULL REVOLUTIONS BEFORE COMING TO A REST AGAINST THE GUARD RAILS OF THE MEDIAN. THE OTHER MOTORIST INVOLVED IN THE CRASH WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF THE SCENE AFTER THE POLICE RESPONDED…

Look up ODI 10180861 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

610.3%
ODI 10072379

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN REAR ENDED BY VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROX. 25 MPH. SEAT BACK COLLAPSED ON DRIVER'S SIDE TO 45 DEGREE ANGLE.BODY SHOP UNABLE TO REPAIR TO ORIGINAL CONDITION WITHOUT REPLACEMENT.

Look up ODI 10072379 at NHTSA ↗

1113.4%
ODI 527543

THE LOCKING MECHANISM FAILED ON BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEATS. THE SEATS HAVE TO PROPPED UP IN ORDER TO USE.

Look up ODI 527543 at NHTSA ↗

813.6%
ODI 10088170 · 70,000 mi

MODEL: 1995 SATURN SC2 COUPE THROUGH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS, THE INTERNAL METAL IS BENT, AND SO THE SEAT WILL NOT RETURN TO THE NORMAL POSITION. THE SEAT WAS ALREADY PARTIALLY BENT BACK WHEN THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR REPAIRS. THAT RECALL CONCERNED THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM. SATURN REPLACED THE MECHANISM, THE SEAT WAS UPRIGHT FOR A TIME, BUT THEN COLLAPSED FULLY AFTER MILD BACKWARD PRESSURE. IN RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM, SATURN SAID THAT THE METAL OF THE SEAT WAS BENT OUT OF SHAPE, THAT…

Look up ODI 10088170 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.3%
ODI 10442293

DRIVERS SEAT SLIDES BACKWARDS WITHOUT USING THE "ADJUSTMENT LEVER". SOMETIMES JUST BACKING UP AT 3-5 MPH, ALSO AT HWY SPEEDS. ALSO SLIDES BACKWARDS AFTER BEING ADJUSTED BY THE DRIVER-ALWAYS ADJUSTED WHILE PARKED, NEVER MOVING. ALSO, SEATBELTS WORKED FINE UNTIL RECALL NOTICE (99-2000/"REPAIRED" BY JIM BUTLER SOUTH COUNTY SATURN, ST LOUIS, MO) THEN WOULD NOT RETRACT, MUST FEED BELTS BACK INTO SLOT; WILL NOT RETURN TO DEALER, AS TOO MANY BAD EXPERIENCES W/THIS DEALERSHIP. APPROX 2002-03 (APPROX 80-100K MILES) STARTED USING 2 QTS OIL PER MONTH, N…

Look up ODI 10442293 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 564261

CHILD SEAT DOES NOT FIT SAFELY INTO THE VEHICLE, THIS STATEMENT CAME FROM THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER WAS ASKING FOR REFUND OR FOR AN EQUAL EXCHANGE. *YH *TT

Look up ODI 564261 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
116.7%
ODI 10311599 · 134,635 mi

ENGINE ACCELERATES WITHOUT HAVING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS IN GEAR OR NOT, WHETHER PRESSING ON THE BRAKE OR NOT. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS AND WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A FIX FOR IT. *TR

Look up ODI 10311599 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 961209

THE CRUISE CONTROL QUITS WORKING ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS, HAPPENS MORE OFTEN AFTER USING ACCEL BUTTON A FEW TIMES. INCONSISTENT. TT

Look up ODI 961209 at NHTSA ↗

46.9%
ODI 960677

WHEN ACTIVATING CRUISE CONTROL IT WORKS FOR VARYING DISTANCES AND AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES NOT ACTIVATING WHEN TURNED ON. TT

Look up ODI 960677 at NHTSA ↗

78.5%
ODI 10204868

1994 SATURN SC2 WITH RPM SURGING, TRANSMISSION REPAIR. CUSTOMER STATES THAT WHEN THE RPM'S SURGED THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. CUSTOMER ALSO STATES THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS LOOSE, WHICH MADE ALL MOUNTS AND BRACKETS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADIATOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY FIRST GEAR WERE ALL REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10204868 at NHTSA ↗

23.4%
ODI 815250

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE APPROX. ------MPH. WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK OPEN, CONSUMER HAD TO SHUT-OFF ENGINE TO BRING THROTTLE BACK TO IDLE. *AK

Look up ODI 815250 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.3%
ODI 810729

UPON INITIAL START UP, AT RELEASE OF FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL, VEHICLE STALLED OUT INTERMITTENTLY, ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 35MPH AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW/STOP VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, RENDERING INOPERATIVE POWER ASSIST, DEALERS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE FAILURE. *AK

Look up ODI 810729 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 10020742

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 SATURN SC2, I BOUGHT IT IN MAY OF 2001, IN AUGUST OF 2001 IT BEGAN TO START ACTING UP. WHEN I AM IN NEUTRAL OR IN GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH ALL THE WAY IN, AND ALSO WHEN I AM JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ENGINE WILL REV FOR NO REASON. I NOTICE THAT MY ENGINE IS REVVING HIGHER THAN USUAL. WHEN I STOP IT WILL GO FROM 1000 RPMS TO 3000 RPMS AND WILL STAY THAT WAY UNTIL I CUT OFF, AND WILL SOMETIMES JUST DROP BACK DOWN TO 1000 ALL WHILE I AM JUST SITTING THERE. I HAVE GONE TO THE SATURN DEALER A FEW TIMES AND TO 2 OTHER GARA…

Look up ODI 10020742 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

312.0%
ODI 10182255 · 84,000 mi

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2007, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT ON NORTH AURORA ROAD IN NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. AT THAT TIME, THE CAR REVVED TO 6000 RPM AND WENT FROM 0-40 MPH. I THOUGHT THE ACCELERATOR MUST BE STUCK, SO I TRIED TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T. IT WAS NOT STUCK. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR JUST KEPT REVVING AND GOING 40 MPH. I KNEW I HAD TO GET THE CAR STOPPED OR RISK HITTING CARS AT THE NEXT INTERSECTION OR GOING T…

Look up ODI 10182255 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.7%
ODI 10088736 · 156,000 mi

DUE TO PLASTIC DOOR SKIN (OUTER PANELING ) OPENING THE DOOR IN A LOW SPEED CAR ACCIDENT IN ADDITION TO PASSIVE SEAT BELT FALURE (INTERMITTENTLY WORKED)I WAS EJECTED FROM CAR AND LEFT PARALYZED. AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING WAS REJECTED BY SATURN DUE TO COST LEAVING SAFETY OUT OF CONCERN. *JB

Look up ODI 10088736 at NHTSA ↗

56.1%
ODI 10022217 · 125 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL RETRACT AND TIGHTEN SEVERELY. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE DRIVER BEING TRAPPED IN THE SEAT, AND SUSTAINING BRUISES.*AK

Look up ODI 10022217 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

711.5%
ODI 10065448 · 80,000 mi

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A SEAT BELT RETRACTING PROBLEM. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10065448 at NHTSA ↗

410.3%
ODI 10013752

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON DRIVER SIDE NO LONGER WORKS, THIS ALLOWS THE BELT TO BECOME CAUGHT IN THE DOOR, DAMAGING THE STRAP. *JB

Look up ODI 10013752 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 10010590

THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. IT TAKES OVER 10 MINUTES FOR THEM TO RETRACT ONCE YOU UNFASTEN THEM. MY SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT CORRECTED. I WAS TOLD "THAT IS HOW THEY WORK". I AM NOW HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEM LOCKING WHILE DRIVING. THE LOCKING IS NOT TRIGGERED BY ANYTHING THAT WE HAVE FOUND IT JUST WON'T MOVE WHEN YOU TRY TO. YOU CAN'T MOVE UNLESS YOU UNDO THE SEAT BELT WAIT FOR IT TO RETRACT AND THEN REFASTEN IT. WHEN YOU UNFASTEN IT THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE AS IT RETRACTS. THERE HAS…

Look up ODI 10010590 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

46.9%
ODI 700325

SUMMARY NOT PROVED BY CONSUMER

Look up ODI 700325 at NHTSA ↗

33.7%
ODI 715121

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 715121 at NHTSA ↗

46.8%
ODI 10057082 · 61,346 mi

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION STARTING NEAR 45,000 MILES. TOOK OVER 15,000 MILES TO CONVINCE DEALER/MNFG OF DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING. 30,000 SATURN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST 1 DEC '96 35,000 SATURN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST 2 36,000 RR CAM COVER (CC) GASKET, REAR MAIN SEAL 45,500 RR CC GASKET, HARMONIC BALANCER, CRANKSHAFT SEAL, OIL PAN GASKET 49,250 RR CC & CCR GASKET 60,000 TO 68,900 OIL CONSUMPTION ~ 1 QT EVERY 600 MILES 66,000 EMAIL TO ANGIE BARRETT, SATURN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, RE OIL CONSUMPTION "1 QT EVERY 2,000 IS OK". 68,900 SATURN …

Look up ODI 10057082 at NHTSA ↗

37.7%
ODI 813575

WHEN ENGINE STOPS/CUTS OUT ALL POWER SHUTS OFF. *AK

Look up ODI 813575 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 864478

ENGINE STALLED ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AT AT 25,300 MILES. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED TO REOCCUR. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 864478 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 533079

FUEL DOOR INOPERATIVE.

Look up ODI 533079 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 10162994 · 76,000 mi

I HAVE A 2001 SATURN SC-2 COUPE THAT WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 2001. I HAVE ROUTINELY CHANGED THE OIL AND DONE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE HAS ~75,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TIMING CHAIN RECENTLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND LEARNED THE TIMING CHAIN DID NOT BREAK BUT BECAME LOOSE. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED SATURN ENGINEERS DESIGNED THE TIMING CHAIN TO RUN THE OIL PUMP. THEREFORE, WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN BECAME LOOSE ON MY SATURN,THE OIL PUMP FAILED TO MAINTAIN OIL PRESSURE ON THAT …

Look up ODI 10162994 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 748746

AIRBAG FAILED ON FRONT IMPACT, FIRE STARTED UNDER PASSENGER SEAT IN FRONT,DRIVER TRAPPED, TOTALED CAR, DESTROYED BY FIRE IN SECONDS. VERY LITTLE DAMAGE FROM IMPACT.*AK

Look up ODI 748746 at NHTSA ↗

11.7%
ODI 982450

PREMATURE INFLATION OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG, OWNER FEELS AIRBAG WAS OVERSENSATIVE. *AK

Look up ODI 982450 at NHTSA ↗

11.2%
ODI 726320

I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED REGARDING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS "ON" AT ALL TIMES. I HAVE NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT. WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THIS? MY VEHICHLE HAS FAILED INSPECTION SOLELY DUE TO THE INDICATOR LIGHT. WHAT INFORMATION CAN YOU GIVE ME ON A RESONABLE COST FOR REPAIR? COULD THIS BE A DEFECT? WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? I HAVE BEEN APPROVED TO INSTALL AN ON/OFF SWITCH, HOWEVER I WOULD RATHER HAVE THE PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU COULD GIVE ME.…

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35.1%
ODI 548002

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DUAL AIR BAGS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER) DURING HEAD ON COLLISION, NO INJURIES. YH

Look up ODI 548002 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 804013

CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF AUTO AND HIT LIGHT POLE, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES DUE TO ACCIDENT. *SLC

Look up ODI 804013 at NHTSA ↗

46.6%
ODI 534542

THE DESIGN OF PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN DEPLOYED IT CAN KILL YOUNG CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS. CONCERN ABOUT AIR BAG SAFETY (OTHER THAN SHORT PERSON). ADDED ON 09-07-1999. *AK

Look up ODI 534542 at NHTSA ↗

25.1%
ODI 10118945 · 113,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CONSUMER SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING THE BRAKING CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THE CONSUMER SWERVED INTO THE RIGHT LANE, OVERCOMPENSATED AND TURN 180 DEGREES. IN DOING SO, THE PASSENGER SIDE SLAMMED AGAINST A GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS FORCED HEAD ON INTO TRAFFIC AN UP A STONE EMBANKMENT AT 50 MPH. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. PRIOR TO LOSING CONTROL THE CONSUMER FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AS SHE WAS TRYING TO BRAKE. THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON WAS SWITCHED TO ON BUT IT WAS NOT ENGA…

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14.8%
ODI 8019984

THE BRAKE FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *YH

Look up ODI 8019984 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 10146653 · 46,000 mi

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN HIT FROM BEHIND WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO PUSH ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THIS RESULTED IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. NEITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WITH THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT I FELT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVERS SEAT WENT INTO THE FULL RECLINE POSITION BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. I CONSIDER BOTH OF THESE FAILURES. *NM

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
233.3%
ODI 517656

DRIVER'S FRONT SEATBACK FRAME BROKE AT WELD. ALSO, PASSENGER'S MOTORIZED SEAT BELT FAILS/HESITATES TO RELEASE OR ENGAGE. *AK

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533.3%
ODI 783680

DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT FAILURE. *SLC

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46.9%
ODI 551322

THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT GRADUALLY STOPPED MOVING IN EITHER DIRECTION. NLM

Look up ODI 551322 at NHTSA ↗

33.7%
ODI 780102

DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINES AUTOMATICALLY UNDER ACCELERATION OR ANYTIME DRIVER LEANS BACK TOO HARD. ALSO PASSIVE RESTRAINT IS STUCK FORWARD.

Look up ODI 780102 at NHTSA ↗

11.7%
ODI 806507

DRIVER WAS HIT FROM THE REAR AND THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN, DRIVER WAS INJURED . *AK

Look up ODI 806507 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 10442293

DRIVERS SEAT SLIDES BACKWARDS WITHOUT USING THE "ADJUSTMENT LEVER". SOMETIMES JUST BACKING UP AT 3-5 MPH, ALSO AT HWY SPEEDS. ALSO SLIDES BACKWARDS AFTER BEING ADJUSTED BY THE DRIVER-ALWAYS ADJUSTED WHILE PARKED, NEVER MOVING. ALSO, SEATBELTS WORKED FINE UNTIL RECALL NOTICE (99-2000/"REPAIRED" BY JIM BUTLER SOUTH COUNTY SATURN, ST LOUIS, MO) THEN WOULD NOT RETRACT, MUST FEED BELTS BACK INTO SLOT; WILL NOT RETURN TO DEALER, AS TOO MANY BAD EXPERIENCES W/THIS DEALERSHIP. APPROX 2002-03 (APPROX 80-100K MILES) STARTED USING 2 QTS OIL PER MONTH, N…

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12.6%
ODI 10274084 · 97,693 mi

DURING THE SMOG TEST, MY CAR OVERHEATED BUT THE TEMP. GAUGE DID NOT INDICATE IT WAS HOT. THE TEMP GAUGE WAS REGISTERING THAT THE CAR WAS RUNNING AT IT'S USUAL TEMPERATURE. I HAVE ALWAYS GOTTEN MY OIL CHANGED WHEN I'M SUPPOSE TO, AND I'VE HAD THE ENGINE FLUSHED TO TRY AND KEEP IT IN GOOD MECHANICAL CONDITION. IT ALSO IS NOT STARTING AT TIMES, AND TODAY IT WAS MAKING A SLIGHT JERKING MOTION AS IF A FUEL FILTER IS CLOGGING. I'VE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, & A COUPLE OF SENSORS. PLUS, MY SEAT BELTS HAVE NEVER RETRACTED CORRECTLY AND FRE…

Look up ODI 10274084 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
SeatsToo few reports for a range140,003 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10308353 · 75,006 mi

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING SEAT BACK TO RECLINE SUDDENLY AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DISASSEMBLY OF THE SEAT AND INSPECTION OF THE RECLINER MECHANISM REVEALED A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH MAKES SUDDEN FAILURE OF THIS MECHANISM HIGHLY LIKELY. FOR THE RECLINER TO HOLD THE SEAT BACK IN POSITION, TWO INTERNAL OPERATING LEVERS MUST REMAIN ALIGNED IN THE SAME PLANE. THESE ARE HELD IN ALIGNMENT BY A VERY THIN METAL PLATE (ABOUT 1MM THICK). THIS PLATE WAS BENT CAUSING THE INTERNAL OPERATING LEVERS TO MISALIGN AND THE SEAT BACK TO…

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ODI 10402460 · 205,000 mi

1993 SATURN SC2 FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING SEAT BACK TO RECLINE SUDDENLY AND ALMOST INJURING PASSENGER IN THE CAR. SEAT WILL NO LONGER STAY FORWARD WHICH RESULTS IN SEAT GOING BACK A SOON AS YOU PRESS GAS PEDAL. *TR

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Seats:Front Assembly:ReclinerToo few reports for a range138,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10009178 · 138,000 mi

THE DRIVER SEAT BACK DID NOT STAY UP. *JB

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Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorToo few reports for a range53,018 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10042165 · 35 mi

GENERATOR FAILED PREMATURELY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. RECALL# 93V132000 *SCC THE CONSUMER STATED THE ALTERNATOR FAILED THREE TIMES. *JB

Look up ODI 10042165 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10107214 · 106,000 mi

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE LIGHTS WENT DIM AND SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND THE WIRE THAT CONNECTED TO THE ALTERNATOR MELTED. *AK

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 210 reports

2000: 3 complaints · 2001: 10 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000223
20014610
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2000620
20012032

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSeatsSeats:Front Assembly:ReclinerService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipElectrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineSeat BeltsVehicle Speed Control
Seats—0000000
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner0—000000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip00—00000
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator000—
1
ODI 535220

ENGINE PISTIONS BLEW, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT/STALL.

Look up ODI 535220 at NHTSA ↗

000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000
1
ODI 535220

ENGINE PISTIONS BLEW, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT/STALL.

Look up ODI 535220 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00000—00
Seat Belts000000—0
Vehicle Speed Control0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Oil consumption or dilution

2 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 732227

FAILED PREVIOUSLY, PAID $1600 TO SATURN IN 98 AND PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. 1-CYL WAS REPLACED WITH THIS WORK IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL OTHER THINGS. ENGINE PRACTICALLY REBUILT. EXISTED PRIOR TO THIS AROUND 1995-1997 AND WAS REPORTED AND TAKEN TO SATURN DEALERS WHO DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF BRINGING IN THE VEHICLE. OIL LOSS WHICH MEANS IT'S BURNING UP SOMEPLACE BECAUSE IT'S NOT DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC DONE AND ALL THAT'S SAID IS THAT THERE IS AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE RUNS VERY ROUGH AND IS NOT R…

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ODI 819825

OIL IS CONSUMED COMPLETELY BETWEEN 2,000 TO 3,000 MILES WITH VEHICLE IN DEALERSHIP EVERY OTHER WEEK. DEALERSHIP POLISHED HEADS, ETC., ANOTHER DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH FOUND SEVERAL LEAKS AND OTHER AREAS THAT WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

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Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 3.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 35 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10042165 · 35 mi

GENERATOR FAILED PREMATURELY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. RECALL# 93V132000 *SCC THE CONSUMER STATED THE ALTERNATOR FAILED THREE TIMES. *JB

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ODI 535220

ENGINE PISTIONS BLEW, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT/STALL.

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 836525

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, T BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER. *AK

Look up ODI 836525 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b