Owners have filed 50 complaints
about the 1995 Saturn SC with NHTSA between 1995 and 2012.
The largest single group is the seats.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 66
Against the median year of the Saturn SC. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
32% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
228.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
150,000+ miles
342.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 5Mar 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Saturn SC
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ00005Opened 16 Feb 2000Closed 19 Aug 2000SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
FRONT SEAT BACK CAN RECLINE OR COLLAPSE
EA95003Opened 24 Feb 1995Closed 31 May 1996EQUIPMENT
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
THIS INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTED HTE FUNCTIONAL ABERATIONS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM.MOST OF THE MALFUNCTIONS INVOLVED FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO PROPERLY REGULATE VEHICLE SPEED WHEN ENGAGED, FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO ENGAGE, OR SELF-DISENGAGEMENT OF THE SYSTEM. THESE PROBLEMS WERE INVESTIGATED AND STEPS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY THEIR OCCURRENCES.SERVICE PROCEDURES WERE ISSUED FOR VEHICLES IN USE, AND A DESIGN MODIFICATION MADE FOR NEW VEHICLES.NO CONFIRMED ALLEGATIONS OF FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE UPON COMMAND WERE IDENTIFIED.IMPRO...
PE94079Opened 7 Nov 1994Closed 24 Feb 1995EQUIPMENT
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
Recalls on the 1995 Saturn SC
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199904011,260 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and cause the seat to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If left unrepaired, the wear will continue and may result in the seat back fully reclining when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control and a crash. Correction: Both the driver and front passenger seat back recliner mechanisms will be replaced.
Recall 1994167787 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 114 - locking system. It may be possible to shift from the PARK position with the ignition key removed, or to remove the key with the shift lever in a position other than PARK. Correction: Automatic transaxle PARK lock cable will be checked for proper function and, if necessary, adjusted.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 183,822 milesDauphin Island, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10124020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,822 milesDauphin Island, ALCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10124020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoniex, AZCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8016401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Attleboro, MACrash
SEATS
CONSUMER WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ANOTHER VECHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF HIM. WHEN HE WENT TO APPLY BRAKES THE FRONT DRIVER 'S SEAT BROKE. THE BOLT CAME APART FROM THE SEAT, WENT INTO A RECLINING POSITION, AND HE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #851407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sylmar, CA1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DURING REAR END COLLISION CAUSING INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER) MJS
NHTSA complaint #546186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
GOING 35MPH ON WET PAVEMENT. APPLIED BRAKES & SLID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE 2ND TIME, HIT A DEER AT 70MPH & AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ONCE AGAIN. MANUFACTURER WAS GOING TO HAVE IT INSPECTED,BUT SO FAR NO ONE SHOWED UP.
NHTSA complaint #830468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Gold BAR, WA
SEAT BELTS
WE HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS AS OF NOW, BUT THE FRONT SEATBELTS WILL NOT LOCK WHEN BRAKING HARD.
NHTSA complaint #10453397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesHouston, TX
PARKING BRAKE
MY 95 SATURN SC1 SERIES PARKING BRAKE LEVER BUTTON POPPED. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THE LEVER STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10294493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,822 milesDauphin Island, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10124020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,822 milesDauphin Island, ALCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10124020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,561 milesTampa, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 PROBLEM & WHEN I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO SATURN I WAS THEN TOLD THAT I HAVE SEVERAL PROBLEM WITH CORROSION IN THE SPARK PLUG CABLES & OTHER THINGS. ALL THIS OCCURED WITHIN A 2WEEK PERIOD. YEAH RIGHT! IAM REALLY DISAPOINTED WITH SATURN TREATING INDIVIDUALS WHO BRING IN THERE CAR FOR REPAIRS AS OF THEY ARE SURPRISED THAT THIS IS HAPPENING & NOT BEING HONEST LIKE THEY CLAIM THEY ARE!
NHTSA complaint #10070460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,561 milesTampa, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 PROBLEM & WHEN I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO SATURN I WAS THEN TOLD THAT I HAVE SEVERAL PROBLEM WITH CORROSION IN THE SPARK PLUG CABLES & OTHER THINGS. ALL THIS OCCURED WITHIN A 2WEEK PERIOD. YEAH RIGHT! IAM REALLY DISAPOINTED WITH SATURN TREATING INDIVIDUALS WHO BRING IN THERE CAR FOR REPAIRS AS OF THEY ARE SURPRISED THAT THIS IS HAPPENING & NOT BEING HONEST LIKE THEY CLAIM THEY ARE!
NHTSA complaint #10070460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesLakewood, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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?
NHTSA complaint #10014087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10004022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10004022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,450 milesPainesville, OH
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10002993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrells Inlet, SC
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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
NHTSA complaint #10001764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bartlett, TN
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBACK COLLASPED WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. CONSUMER STATES ALMOST HAD A COLLISION AS A RESULT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SEATS
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS SHIFTED BACKWARD, AFFECTING CONSUMER'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Richey, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #765744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Richey, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #765744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoniex, AZCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8016401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winder, GA
SEATS
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT FELL REARWARD WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK WHEN THE DRIVER SEAT FELL REARWARD, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT NO CRASH OCCURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNWILLING TO DO REPAIR UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN.
NHTSA complaint #8012739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Post Fall, ID
SEATS
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS WILL FALL BACKWARDS, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8011262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
SEATS
RECALL 99V045000; DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SEATS WILL SUDDENLY SLIDE BACK WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER COULD EASILY LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS WAS SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED IN RECALL; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #899993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
V, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. SATURN DEALER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SATURNS. SHOULDN'T THEY BE RECALLED AS A SAFETY CONCERN?
NHTSA complaint #754377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FUEL COVER LATCH WAS MADE OUT PLASTIC. WHEN CONSUMER GOES TO GET GASOLINE CAP FLIES OPEN. SHE CRAZY GLUED THE LATCH. SHE HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK THE OWNER REQUESTS THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC FUEL COVER LATCH BY A METAL COVER LATCH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #871200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewick, WA
SEATS
A CAMPAIGN HAS ALREADY BEEN ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. SEE 99V045000. BECAUSE MY VEHICLE'S VIN DOES NOT CORRELATE WITH THE COMPANY'S PROBLEM AREA, THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ASSIST. THE FACT REMAINS, THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE ORIGINAL CAMPAIGN ARE IDENTICAL TO MINE. IT IS APPARENT THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDESPREAD THAN SATURN IS WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE. CAN YOU HELP??
NHTSA complaint #728187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, IL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING RECLINING MECHANISM ON DRIVER'S SEAT RELEASED, CAUSING THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACDKWARDS. *AK WHEN SEAT COLLAPSE CONSUMER LOSE CONTROL OF THE GAS, BRAKE PEDALS AND CLEAR SIGHT OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #866022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Attleboro, MACrash
SEATS
CONSUMER WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ANOTHER VECHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF HIM. WHEN HE WENT TO APPLY BRAKES THE FRONT DRIVER 'S SEAT BROKE. THE BOLT CAME APART FROM THE SEAT, WENT INTO A RECLINING POSITION, AND HE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #851407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Amsterdam, NY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
DRIVERS SIDE BUCKET SEAT LATCH FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE CAUSING THE SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE, CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.