Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1995 Saturn SC: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

39 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

94,450 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1995 model year. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Seats is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 39 complaints (17.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior923.1%
Transmission and shifting12.6%
Engine operation12.6%
Steering behavior12.6%

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
7
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
7
Air Bags:Frontal
4
Vehicle Speed Control
4
Air Bags
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
Electrical System:Ignition
1
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Seats7
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner7
Air Bags:Frontal4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Air Bags2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip2
Electrical System:Ignition1
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch1

Seats: 7; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 7; Air Bags:Frontal: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Air Bags: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above2

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

150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 34 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
7
1996
4
1997
1
1998
3
1999
5
2000
3
2001
2
2002
7
2003
3
2004
1
2005
1
2009
1
2012
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19957
19964
19971
19983
19995
20003
20012
20027
20033
20041
20051
20091
20121

1995: 7; 1996: 4; 1997: 1; 1998: 3; 1999: 5; 2000: 3; 2001: 2; 2002: 7; 2003: 3; 2004: 1; 2005: 1; 2009: 1; 2012: 1

Pattern summary

Seats leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10001764 · 2002-12-31 (December 31, 2002)

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING HIS GRANDFATHER IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER HAD A EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT LOCK. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001764 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002993 · 2003-01-20 (January 20, 2003)

FRONT DRIVERS' SIDE SEATBACK MECHANISM FAILS REPEATEDLY. 5-SPEED CAR. DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE CLUTCH AND SEATBACK COLLAPSES DUE TO THE PRESSURE, SENDING DRIVER BACK AND MOMENTARILY LOOSING CONTROL OF CLUTCH AND/OR BRAKE APPLICATION. BUILD DATE AND VIN OUTSIDE OF RECALL, BUT FAILURE HAS OCCURED AND IS VERIFIABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. 94,450 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002993 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004022 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)

WHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER HEARD THE STEERING MAKE A CLICKING NOISE WHICH LEAD TO DIMINISHED CONTROL OF THE STEERING. SOON AFTER, ALL STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE AIR BAG SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACING AND THE STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. *JG

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004022 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014087 · 2003-04-07 (April 7, 2003)

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WHEN HOT, THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. HERE IS ONE WEB PAGE THAT HAS A FEW OTHERS COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.SATURNFANS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP3?S=6CD490757521AEDF4FCEA59BE2A5C456&THREADID=17198&GOTO=NEXTNEWEST I HAVE CALLED LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND MOST HAVE SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IF IT REALLY IS COMMON WHY ISN'T SATURN DOING A RECALL OR SOME SORT OF COMPENSATION FOR THESE HEFTY REPAIR FEES? *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014087 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10070460 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

FIRST PROBLEM THE CAR OVER HEATED. WASN'T TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND WAS TREATED AS IF I MADE THE WHOLE THING UP! THEY CHECK THE CAR & TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING CHECK OUT OKAY. DIDN'T HAVE ANY FUTHER PROBLEM WITH IT OVER HEATING. THEN HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING & EVEN DYING OUT WHILE IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVING! PUSHED THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS AFTER IT FINALLY DIED WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR & SPARK PLUGS. THEY PROCEEDED AS USUAL TO TREAT THIS AS A REALLY ODD THING TO HAPPEN! I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROB…

Owner-reported narrative. 48,561 miles reported. Look up ODI 10070460 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10124020 · 2005-06-02 (June 2, 2005)

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SATURN SC1 COUPE. THE CONTACT SAYS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINED. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 183,822 miles reported. Look up ODI 10124020 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10294493 · 2009-12-04 (December 4, 2009)

MY 95 SATURN SC1 SERIES PARKING BRAKE LEVER BUTTON POPPED. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THE LEVER STOPPED WORKING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 165,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10294493 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10453397 · 2012-03-28 (March 28, 2012)

WE HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS AS OF NOW, BUT THE FRONT SEATBELTS WILL NOT LOCK WHEN BRAKING HARD. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10453397 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

94V217000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle)

Reported: 1994-11-08 (November 8, 1994)

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED, OR REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK." THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V045000 · Seats

Reported: 1999-03-12 (March 12, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

39 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

12.8%Usable mileage5 / 39 records
92.3%Valid incident date36 / 39 records
100.0%Valid filing date39 / 39 records
92.3%Ordered incident and filing dates36 / 39 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
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 510573

BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED DURING COLLISION.

Look up ODI 510573 at NHTSA ↗

626.1%
ODI 10005268 · 65,000 mi

RECLINING MECHANISM FAILS AFTER A FEW YEARS OF USE, WHICH RESULTS IN SUDDEN RECLINE OF DRIVER SEAT. NEARLY CAUSED ME TO CRASH ON ONE OCCASION, AFTER HITTING THE BREAKS AND THE PRESSURE OF MY BODY MADE THE SEAT RECLINE. AFTER CONTACTING SATURN, THEY TOLD ME THE RECLINING MECHANISM WAS NOT RECALLED ON THE EARLIER MODELS (BEFORE 1994 OR 1995, I CAN'T REMEMBER). I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM, AS THE CARS AREN'T THAT OLD WHEN THE MECHAISM FAILS. I HAVE REPLACED THE PASSENGER SEAT ALREADY IN 1999 , WITH THE DRIVERS SEAT UNREPAIRED AT THIS TIME. IT CA…

Look up ODI 10005268 at NHTSA ↗

1733.3%
ODI 541592

SEAT LATCH FAILURE CAUSING SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE.

Look up ODI 541592 at NHTSA ↗

717.9%
ODI 10002993 · 94,450 mi

FRONT DRIVERS' SIDE SEATBACK MECHANISM FAILS REPEATEDLY. 5-SPEED CAR. DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE CLUTCH AND SEATBACK COLLAPSES DUE TO THE PRESSURE, SENDING DRIVER BACK AND MOMENTARILY LOOSING CONTROL OF CLUTCH AND/OR BRAKE APPLICATION. BUILD DATE AND VIN OUTSIDE OF RECALL, BUT FAILURE HAS OCCURED AND IS VERIFIABLE.

Look up ODI 10002993 at NHTSA ↗

13.8%
ODI 523849

DURING COLLISION SEAT BACK COLLAPSED.

Look up ODI 523849 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.2%
ODI 10006755

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT DOES NOT HOLD ITS POSITION. PH

Look up ODI 10006755 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.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.9%
ODI 10654353

1994 SATURN SC. CONSUMER STATED IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE KEY BEING STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING SO CUSTOMER IS ASKING FOR A REFUND. *SS THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE HEADLIGHTS OPENED ON THEIR OWN, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE GEAR ON ITS OWN, AND THE RPM'S WERE EXTREMELY HIGH. *JB

Look up ODI 10654353 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.8%
ODI 10461447

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SC1 SATURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN SOUNDED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUSE WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO SHUT THE HORN OFF. IN ADDITION, THE HORN ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT …

Look up ODI 10461447 at NHTSA ↗

515.2%
ODI 10523229 · 173,411 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE (SATURN SC1 1997) NORTH BOUND ON FL TURNPIKE WHEN THE ROAD FELT REALLY BUMPY AND SUDDENLY PIECES OF DEBRIS STARTED FLYING BY THE WINDOW AND A LARGE BUNDLE OF WIRES WAS FLAPPING ON THE HOOD, COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR; WHICH I HAD TO EASED OVER TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACTED GEICO ROAD SERVICE. APPARENTLY, THE CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT OCCURRED WERE AS FOLLOWS: THE LEMANS/BRIDGESTONE TIRE (P195-60R15) TREAD COMPLETED PEELED OFF THE TIRE WITH SUCH FORCE..THAT IT GO…

Look up ODI 10523229 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10881827 · 147,646 mi

CAR KEY LOCKS UP IN IGNITION, WONT TURN OR COME OUT. CABLE TO PARK MECHANISM WONT DISENGAGE. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, TODAY IT TOOK 40 MINUTES OF JIGGLING STEERING WHEEL,KEY, BRAKE SHIFTER TO DISENGAGE TO GET THE CAR STARTED.

Look up ODI 10881827 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

228.6%
ODI 10325091

I'M BUYING THIS CAR FROM A CAR DEALER J B BYRIDER. ON 3/26/10 I TOOK THE SATURN SC1 OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE DURING THE DAY TIME AND CAME BACK AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE NOISE I HEARD COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT A PART WAS BEING ODOR. 3/30/10 TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS COMING ACROSS MY NECK AND LOCKING, AND THE THERE WAS ONLY ONE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD SHOWING THE SPEED AND NOTHING ELSE. WAS TOLD ORDER A PART FOR THE SEAT BELT AND WOULD LOOK AT THE DASH BROAD WHEN I CAME BACK (IT WAS SAI…

Look up ODI 10325091 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 10025527

2001 SATURN SC1-IDELING PROBLEMS AND OVER 70 MISFIRES NOTED BY COMPUTER. I PAID FOR A COMPLETE TUNE UP WITH DID NO GOOD AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE BRAKES FOR $362. THE DEALER STATES SINCE THE COMPUTER DOESN'T SHOW ANY PROBLEMS THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS. WARRANTY JUST WENT OUT 6-30-03. THE CAR IDELS ROUGHLY AND MISFIRES INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Look up ODI 10025527 at NHTSA ↗

615.8%
ODI 10042885 · 11,000 mi

THE SPARK PLUG WIRES ARE ARCHING AND SPARKING WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INITIALLY CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS. DEALER CONTACTED THE DIVISION OFFICE WHICH TOLD HIM TO PUT THE OLD SPARK PLUGS BACK ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *MR

Look up ODI 10042885 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts
240.0%
ODI 748250

AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS FAILS TO OPERATE. *AK

Look up ODI 748250 at NHTSA ↗

850.0%
ODI 526470

DRIVER SIDE PASSIVE SEAT BELT FAILED

Look up ODI 526470 at NHTSA ↗

14.3%
ODI 858472

AUTOMATIC SHOUDLER BELTS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES ARE STUCK IN THE FORWARD POSITION ON THE RAIL. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 858472 at NHTSA ↗

35.9%
ODI 479606

MOTORIZED SEAT BELT GOT CAUGHT IN SUNVISOR. *AW

Look up ODI 479606 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 10453397

WE HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS AS OF NOW, BUT THE FRONT SEATBELTS WILL NOT LOCK WHEN BRAKING HARD. *TR

Look up ODI 10453397 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

39.1%
ODI 11456745

Right front passenger seat belt male mechanism is locked up and will not extend to lock in female mechanism. Unusable.

Look up ODI 11456745 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.2%
ODI 857625

WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SEAT BELT SLIPS OUT, AND WILL NOT HOLD. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 857625 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 10325091

I'M BUYING THIS CAR FROM A CAR DEALER J B BYRIDER. ON 3/26/10 I TOOK THE SATURN SC1 OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE DURING THE DAY TIME AND CAME BACK AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE NOISE I HEARD COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT A PART WAS BEING ODOR. 3/30/10 TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS COMING ACROSS MY NECK AND LOCKING, AND THE THERE WAS ONLY ONE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD SHOWING THE SPEED AND NOTHING ELSE. WAS TOLD ORDER A PART FOR THE SEAT BELT AND WOULD LOOK AT THE DASH BROAD WHEN I CAME BACK (IT WAS SAI…

Look up ODI 10325091 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.7%
ODI 732815

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 732815 at NHTSA ↗

47.8%
ODI 533509

BOLTS THAT SECURE THE FRONT SEAT FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE.

Look up ODI 533509 at NHTSA ↗

717.9%
ODI 706937

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 706937 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10218841 · 11,000 mi

AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1996 SATURN SC1 WITH 68,000 MILES, THIS CAR HAS HAD FOUR HEAD GASKETS REPLACED ORIGINATING WHEN THIS CAR WAS UNDER A YEAR OLD. IN ADDITION TO THESE REPEATED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS OF ALARM SYSTEMS, RADIO, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT. THIS IS WHAT I PURCHASED FROM SATURN AND I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATION. THE MOST RECENT HEAD GASKET FAILURE OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER '06. AS I WAS EXASPERATED BY SATURN AND THIS VEHICLE I WAS SOLD, I SUED THE SATURN CORPORATION IN THE RICHMOND COUN…

Look up ODI 10218841 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 740850

BOTH FRONT SEATS RECLINED WHEN VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE DRIVERS SEAT WOULD NOT REMAIN LOCKED IN UPRIGHT POSITION AS A RESULT.*AK

Look up ODI 740850 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

28.3%
ODI 10014818

THE DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKED BACK AND FOURTH. *JB

Look up ODI 10014818 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 10531889

DRIVER SEAT RECLINER FAILURE. SAME PROBLEM THAT AFFECTED 1994 AND 1995 SATURNS (RECALLED AS WELL). GEAR TEETH IN RECLINER MECHANISM GET WORN OUT AND NO LONGER HOLD THE SEAT BACKREST UPRIGHT. THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10531889 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.6%
ODI 10110431 · 88,000 mi

ON FEBRUARY 11, 2005 I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND REAR ENDED BY A PERSON MOST LIKELY GOING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR. I OWN A SATURN SC1 2000. MY SEAT WENT FORWARD AND THEN COMPLETELY COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT. THIS IS VERY SIGNIFICANT FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. MY 8 YEAR OLD GRANDSON TYPICALLY RIDES IN THAT VERY SPOT AND IF HE WERE WITH ME HE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE SUBSTAINED HEAVY INJURIES DUE TO MY WEIGHT AND THE SPEED IN WHICH THE SEAT SLAMMED BACKWARDS. I ALSO FEEL THAT MY INJURIES WHERE MORE…

Look up ODI 10110431 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

59.8%
ODI 502402

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *DSH

Look up ODI 502402 at NHTSA ↗

410.3%
ODI 8016401

WHILE DRIVING AT 2-5 MP CONSUMER T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH. VEHICLE WAS A TOTALED. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

Look up ODI 8016401 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.1%
ODI 10099237

WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Look up ODI 10099237 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

312.5%
ODI 10132492

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. *AK

Look up ODI 10132492 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

314.3%
ODI 10156502 · 96,000 mi

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT, REAR-ENDING A NON-MOVING VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON IMPACT (STRAIGHT-ON AND CENTER). AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURY. VEHICLE DAMAGE INCLUDED FRONT BUMPER & HOOD. *NM

Look up ODI 10156502 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.6%
ODI 10070460 · 48,561 mi

FIRST PROBLEM THE CAR OVER HEATED. WASN'T TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND WAS TREATED AS IF I MADE THE WHOLE THING UP! THEY CHECK THE CAR & TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING CHECK OUT OKAY. DIDN'T HAVE ANY FUTHER PROBLEM WITH IT OVER HEATING. THEN HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING & EVEN DYING OUT WHILE IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVING! PUSHED THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS AFTER IT FINALLY DIED WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR & SPARK PLUGS. THEY PROCEEDED AS USUAL TO TREAT THIS AS A REALLY ODD THING TO HAPPEN! I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROB…

Look up ODI 10070460 at NHTSA ↗

415.4%
ODI 10030438 · 68,825 mi

JUNE 1999 SATURN SENT A NOTICE REGARDING THE CYLINDER HEAD DEFECT THAT MAY OCCUR. THEY EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 100,000 MILES OR 6 YEARS. HOWEVER KNOWING THERE IS A DEFECT IN THEIR WORKMANSHIP, I ATTEMPTED CONTACT WITH LESS THAN 69,000 MILES ON MY SATURN WHEN THE CYLINDER HEAD SHOWED ALL THE SIGNS OF A CRACK. THIS INCLUDED OIL IN THE RADIATOR. SATURN ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY FOR THIS SEEING IT OUT OF THE SIX YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. HOWEVER IT IS WELL WITHIN THE 100,000 MILE MILEAGE PERIOD.

Look up ODI 10030438 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 543886

ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED RESULTING IN PEDAL FALLING OFF.

Look up ODI 543886 at NHTSA ↗

215.4%
ODI 10070205

AIR CONDITIONING UNIT STOPPED COOLING.DEALER WANTED TO TROUBLE SHOOT@$80.00/HOUR. HAYNES SERVICE MANUAL SAID TO CHECK FUSE .REPLACED DIODE @$4.00 AND FIXED MYSELF. MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHINING IN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. CHECKED TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LOW. ADDED FLUID AND ANYTHING OVER 1 QUART POURED OUT. HAD TRANSMISSION SHOP CHECK IT OUT FOR BLOWN SEAL AND THEY FOUND INTERNAL METAL FRACTURE IN TRANSAXLE INNER CASE CAUSED BY SHEAR PIN MOVEMENT. SATURN ISSUED SERVICE MANUAL NOTIFICATION IN JAN.1998. DEALER AND SATURN ARE NO…

Look up ODI 10070205 at NHTSA ↗

312.5%
ODI 10065991 · 58,000 mi

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!!!! P…

Look up ODI 10065991 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 10029908

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 10029908 at NHTSA ↗

25.3%
ODI 10183160 · 37,200 mi

ON 2/1/07 MY CAR STARTED RUNNING ROUGH, WITH NO SES LIGHT COMING ON. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS THE SES LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. A DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD CAUSED THE ROUGH IDLE, AND THE DEALER SAID THAT IF I LEFT GO TO LONG ENOUGH IT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP. MY CAR HAS ONLY 37,315 MILES ON IT AND IS GARAGED WHEN NOT IN USE. A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS REPLACED FOR A COST OF $463.44. I DO NOT HOT ROD THIS CAR OR ABUSE IT IN ANY FASHION, I AM 52 YEARS OLD. IF I HAD IGNORED THE S…

Look up ODI 10183160 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 535911

SUNROOF FAILS INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 535911 at NHTSA ↗

14.3%
ODI 844227

ENGINE HEAD CRACKED, CAUSING THE COOLANT AND OIL TO MIX TOGETHER, CREATING A SPLURGE. *AK

Look up ODI 844227 at NHTSA ↗

12.0%
ODI 537267

VEHICLE BROKE DOWN DUE TO LOOSE ROCKER ARM STUD THAT HAD RESULTED IN THE COLLAPSE OF THE LIFTER AND A BREAK OF THE ROCKER.

Look up ODI 537267 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 978445

ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TT

Look up ODI 978445 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

39.1%
ODI 10064451 · 1 mi

I GOT MY 97 SATURN SC1 A YEAR AGO WITH 56K MILES ON IT. THE COUPLE THAT HAD IT BEFORE ME TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT CONSIDERING THE OBVIOUS LACK OF QUALITY FROM THE FACTORY. I'VE PUT JUST OVER 21K MILES ON IT IN THE LAST YEAR. EVERY 500-1000 MILES IT BURNS A QUART OF OIL. THIS MEANS THAT EVERY 3000 MILES I HAVE TO GIVE IT TWO OIL CHANGES, ONE THE NORMAL WAY, AND ONE EVERY TIME I FILL IT WITH GAS. THE JOKE HAS BECOME "FILL THE OIL AND CHECK THE GAS." *NM

Look up ODI 10064451 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10130524 · 101,000 mi

CAR OVERHEATED ON 4 LANE HIGHWAY. HAD TO PULL OVER WHILE CARS WERE DRIVING BY. REPLACEMENT OF HEAD GASKET AT 101,000 MILES. CAR IS STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY AS HEAD WAS REPLACED AND NOW A PING HAD DEVELOPED. 8JB

Look up ODI 10130524 at NHTSA ↗

312.5%
ODI 10016241

I TOOK MY 1999 SATURN SC1 IN TO THE DEALER FOR A RESONATOR REPLACEMENT AND WHEEL ROTATION AND BALANCE AT 49,091 MILES. THE DEALER CALLED ME TO SAY THE UPPER ENGINE MOUNT HAD TO BE REPLACED. LAST WEEK, WHEN WE TOOK MY WIFE'S 1996 SL1 IN FOR ENGINE NOISE, WE WERE ALSO TOLD WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE MOUNT. WITH MY 1999 SC1, IT HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE -- WHY DOES THE ENGINE MOUNTS ON SATURNS NEED REPLACING?. *JB

Look up ODI 10016241 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.3%
ODI 10191555 · 75,000 mi

AT AROUND 75000 MILES I PULLED INTO WORK, PUT IT IN PARK, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY ENGINE STARTED TO REV, (INCREASING WITHOUT LEVELING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE CAR TO STOP THE INCREASED REVVING. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN , HOPING IT WAS A FLUKE. AND IT STARTED AGAIN. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAD A VACCUUM LEAK AND HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE GASKET REPLACED. AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE EXTENSIVE WORK TO REPLACE IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10191555 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
240.0%
ODI 700977

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT AND THE GENERATOR LIGHT WAS ON. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR HOUSE. UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED WHERE THE GENERATOR IS SCREWED TO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SATURN OF DADELAND ON 05/29/1998. THEY REPLACED CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK, ALL CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS, TIMING CHAIN & GUIDES, PISTON RINGS, VALVE STEM SEALS, & LAPPED ALL VALVES, INSTALLED NEW GENERATOR & BOLTS. TOTAL COST: $3196.67

Look up ODI 700977 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 535911

SUNROOF FAILS INTERMITTENTLY.

Look up ODI 535911 at NHTSA ↗

14.3%
ODI 972487

WHEN THE AIR IS ON, IT INTERFERS WITH ENGINE, ENGINE MAKES LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. TT

Look up ODI 972487 at NHTSA ↗

35.9%
ODI 740620

CAR BURNS OIL EVERY 500 MILES. SEE WEBPAGE "SATURNEXPOSED.COM" TO SEE THE MANY OTHER SATURN OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 740620 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 765744

DRIVING ON HWY AT 65MPH ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING ENSUING SHUTDOWN. ATTEMPTED TO MAKE EXIT BUT UPON SLOWDOWN ON RAMP ENGINE SHUTOFF.HAD TO PUSH CAR DOWN RAMP AND OFF TO THE SIDE.*AK

Look up ODI 765744 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 737121

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 737121 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 724246

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 724246 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.2%
ODI 10072775 · 53,314 mi

VEHICLES STARTED CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL AROUND MARCH 2003. REPORTED TO DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT. I HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES.ON APRIL 18TH 2003 THE DEALER DISCOVERED AND HAD TO REPLACE LEAKING VALVE SEALS, CARBONED PISTON RINGS AND CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS. IN DEC. 2003 THE VEHICLE BEGAN MIXING OIL & COOLANT. DEALER REPLACED CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD COSTING OVER $2000.00. THIS VEHICLE IS A LEMON AND SHOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED 2 MAJOR ENGINE REPAIRS. *AK

Look up ODI 10072775 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 10145252 · 73,000 mi

I BOUGHT A NEW 2000 SC1. THE WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. TODAY I HAD TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON A CAR WITH LESS THAN 75000 MILES. THE REPAIRMAN AT SATURN SAID HE HAD NEVER REPLACED A HEAD GASKET ON A SATURN IN 14 YEARS WITH THE COMPANY. THEY ALSO FOUND CARBON DEPOSITS IN THE MOTOR THAT THE REPAIRMAN WAS SUPRISED TO SEE. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THEIR FINDINGS WERE INCONCLUSIVE IN DETERMINING IF THE GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE. THIS CAR WAS ADVERTISED USING TWO EMPLOYEES DRIVING AROUND T…

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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
Seats:Front Assembly:ReclinerToo few reports for a range139,136 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10002993 · 94,450 mi

FRONT DRIVERS' SIDE SEATBACK MECHANISM FAILS REPEATEDLY. 5-SPEED CAR. DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO ENGAGE CLUTCH AND SEATBACK COLLAPSES DUE TO THE PRESSURE, SENDING DRIVER BACK AND MOMENTARILY LOOSING CONTROL OF CLUTCH AND/OR BRAKE APPLICATION. BUILD DATE AND VIN OUTSIDE OF RECALL, BUT FAILURE HAS OCCURED AND IS VERIFIABLE.

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ODI 10124020 · 183,822 mi

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SATURN SC1 COUPE. THE CONTACT SAYS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINED. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10124020 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range183,822 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10124020 · 183,822 mi

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SATURN SC1 COUPE. THE CONTACT SAYS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINED. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10124020 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

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.

2026-09 (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 211 reports

2001: 10 complaints · 2002: 11 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
20014510
200231111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20012100
20023611

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:ReclinerAir Bags:FrontalVehicle Speed ControlAir BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical System:Ignition:Switch
Seats—0000000
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner0—00
1
ODI 10124020 · 183,822 mi

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SATURN SC1 COUPE. THE CONTACT SAYS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINED. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10124020 at NHTSA ↗

000
Air Bags:Frontal00—00000
Vehicle Speed Control000—00
1
ODI 964488

WHEN DRIVING CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY COME ON AND CUT CAR OFF. TT

Look up ODI 964488 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags0
1
ODI 10124020 · 183,822 mi

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SATURN SC1 COUPE. THE CONTACT SAYS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINED. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10124020 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip00000—00
Electrical System:Ignition000
1
ODI 964488

WHEN DRIVING CRUISE CONTROL AUTOMATICALLY COME ON AND CUT CAR OFF. TT

Look up ODI 964488 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch0000000—

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.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,561 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10070460 · 48,561 mi

FIRST PROBLEM THE CAR OVER HEATED. WASN'T TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND WAS TREATED AS IF I MADE THE WHOLE THING UP! THEY CHECK THE CAR & TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING CHECK OUT OKAY. DIDN'T HAVE ANY FUTHER PROBLEM WITH IT OVER HEATING. THEN HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING & EVEN DYING OUT WHILE IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVING! PUSHED THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS AFTER IT FINALLY DIED WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR & SPARK PLUGS. THEY PROCEEDED AS USUAL TO TREAT THIS AS A REALLY ODD THING TO HAPPEN! I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROB…

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