Owners have filed 44 complaints
about the 1997 Saturn SC with NHTSA between 1996 and 2022.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 58
Against the median year of the Saturn SC. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 82
15.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
24% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
15.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
317.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
317.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
423.5%
150,000+ miles
635.3%
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.
Dec 1996peak 5Mar 2022
Recalls on the 1997 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.
United States — NHTSA
97V162000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK TITLED "HORIZONTAL AIM" DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCT AN OWNER HOW TO ADJUST THE HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: A VEHICLE'S HEADLAMP WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS TO ONCOMING VEHICLES.
97V161000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IS PULLED OUT MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL, A NUMBER OF TIME, THE LOCK-UP FEATURE OF THE RETRACTOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.
Risk: IN A RAPID DECELERATION OR VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
96V153000
SEATS
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS HAVE LESS LOCK PAWL ENGAGEMENT ON THE INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER THAN SPECIFIED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SEAT MOVEMENT WITH A BELTED OCCUPANT DURING A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19982404,294 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles were either produced or serviced with a horn assembly which may fail. As a result, the horn may either become inoperable or activate without pressing the horn button. Under certain conditions, heat could build up in the horn assembly and an underhood fire could result without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary replace the horn assembly.
Recall 19970857 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 114 - Locking System. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition while the cylinder is in the RUN position. The ignition key must be reinserted in the ignition to turn the engine off. Correction: Ignition cylinder will be re-coded. Re-coding of the ignition cylinder will require the doors and rear compartment or liftgate locks to be re-coded to retain a one key system.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 115,500 milesColorado Springs, COCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I TRIED BRAKING HARD AND MY PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED AND THEN I HIT A CAR ON THE SIDE. I COULD HAVE AVOIDED IT IF MY BRAKES WEREN'T BAD. I HAD NEW BRAKE PADS ON ALL 4 WHEELS AND IT WAS STILL LOW.
NHTSA complaint #10514631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South River, NJ1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10099237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesYonkers, NYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING AT 25/30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10022646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OHCrash
STEERING:LINKAGES
THREADS STRIPPED BETWEEN THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE TIE ROD ON DRIVERS SIDE CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT SPEED IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY. DEALER IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #747076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, MICrash
SEATS
BOTH FRONT SEATS RECLINED WHEN VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE DRIVERS SEAT WOULD NOT REMAIN LOCKED IN UPRIGHT POSITION AS A RESULT.
NHTSA complaint #740850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Graham, WA1 killed
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER RECENTLY RECIEVED RECALL LETTER 99V-280 FROM SATURN CONCERNING SEAT BELT FAILURE, CONSUMERS CHILD WAS A PASSENGER AND WAS KILLED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION AND THE CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECALLED COMPONENT EXPERIENCED FAILURE AND COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #783812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Evansville, IN
SEAT BELTS
Right front passenger seat belt male mechanism is locked up and will not extend to lock in female mechanism. Unusable.
NHTSA complaint #11456745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesSouth Bound Brook, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THERE WERE NUMEROUS KEYS ON THE KEY RING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #10721642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY KEPT BEING DRAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10537941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE 2 SATURNS (SC AND SL) BOTH ARE 1997'S. BOTH HAVE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WHERE BATTERY WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE. SOMETHING SEEMS TO BE DRAINING THE POWER BUT NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT. BOTH CARS START WITH A JUMP AND RUN FINE IF DRIVEN OFTEN. BUT IF THE CAR SITS FOR MORE THAN A DAY, THE BATTERY IS DRAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10537943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,411 milesHomestead, FL
TIRES
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 GOT SHREDDED THE FENDER AND RIPPED OUT A LARGE BUNDLE OF ELECTRICAL CABLES THAT WAS IN THE FENDER. THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED, THE WIRE CABLE RAN FROM THE FUSE BOX IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVER THE WHEEL IN THE FENDER, TO PROVIDE POWER TO VIRTUALLY EVERY ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IN THE CAR, AND WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A HIGHLY HAZARDOUS & DANGEROUS INCIDENT...THE PICTURES ARE EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE! BE CAREFUL!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10523229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,411 milesFL, FL
TIRES
I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 SC SATURN NORTH BOUND FL TURNPIKE WHEN THE ROAD FELT REALLY BUMPY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL (CABLES/WIRES)COMPONENTS FLEW & SPLASH AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING MY VIEW, "OH MY GOD" I IMMEDIATELY EDGE TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO ASSESS THE SITUATION, CONTACTED GEICO ROAD SERVICE. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT ONE OF THE LEMANS TIRE (RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE) TREAD HAD COMPLETELY PEELED & BLOWN OFF. APPARENTLY, AS THE TIRE BEGAN TO FAIL THE STEEL BELTS FROM THE TIRE DESTROYED THE INNER FENDER, THE OUTER FENDER AND RIPPED OUT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS THAT PROVIDED POWER TO ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SUCH AS DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS ETC. IT APPEARS THAT THE PLACEMENT OF THIS WIRING HARNESS OVER THE FRONT WHEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND NOT OVER A WHEEL AND WITH NO PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10523331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,411 milesHomestead, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 GOT SHREDDED THE FENDER AND RIPPED OUT A LARGE BUNDLE OF ELECTRICAL CABLES THAT WAS IN THE FENDER. THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED, THE WIRE CABLE RAN FROM THE FUSE BOX IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVER THE WHEEL IN THE FENDER, TO PROVIDE POWER TO VIRTUALLY EVERY ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IN THE CAR, AND WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A HIGHLY HAZARDOUS & DANGEROUS INCIDENT...THE PICTURES ARE EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE! BE CAREFUL!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10523229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,411 milesFL, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 SC SATURN NORTH BOUND FL TURNPIKE WHEN THE ROAD FELT REALLY BUMPY AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL (CABLES/WIRES)COMPONENTS FLEW & SPLASH AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING MY VIEW, "OH MY GOD" I IMMEDIATELY EDGE TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO ASSESS THE SITUATION, CONTACTED GEICO ROAD SERVICE. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT ONE OF THE LEMANS TIRE (RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE) TREAD HAD COMPLETELY PEELED & BLOWN OFF. APPARENTLY, AS THE TIRE BEGAN TO FAIL THE STEEL BELTS FROM THE TIRE DESTROYED THE INNER FENDER, THE OUTER FENDER AND RIPPED OUT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS THAT PROVIDED POWER TO ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SUCH AS DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS ETC. IT APPEARS THAT THE PLACEMENT OF THIS WIRING HARNESS OVER THE FRONT WHEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND NOT OVER A WHEEL AND WITH NO PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10523331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,411 milesHomestead, FL
ENGINE
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 GOT SHREDDED THE FENDER AND RIPPED OUT A LARGE BUNDLE OF ELECTRICAL CABLES THAT WAS IN THE FENDER. THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED, THE WIRE CABLE RAN FROM THE FUSE BOX IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVER THE WHEEL IN THE FENDER, TO PROVIDE POWER TO VIRTUALLY EVERY ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IN THE CAR, AND WAS RIPPED OUT OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A HIGHLY HAZARDOUS & DANGEROUS INCIDENT...THE PICTURES ARE EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE! BE CAREFUL!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10523229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,500 milesColorado Springs, COCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I TRIED BRAKING HARD AND MY PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED AND THEN I HIT A CAR ON THE SIDE. I COULD HAVE AVOIDED IT IF MY BRAKES WEREN'T BAD. I HAD NEW BRAKE PADS ON ALL 4 WHEELS AND IT WAS STILL LOW.
NHTSA complaint #10514631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bettendorf, IA
TIRES
1997 SATURN SC. CONSUMER WRITES IN FOLLOW UP TO A REQUEST FOR ADJUSTMENT ON HIS GENERAL TIRES DUE TO PREMATURE WARE *TGW THE CONSUMER WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED BASED ON THE STATED POSITION THAT THE TIRES WERE OLDER THAN THE WARRANTY COVERED; 72 MONTHS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THE TIRES WERE NEW WHEN HE PURCHASED THEM ON NOVEMBER 18, 2006. HE WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE TIRES HAD BEEN SITTING ON THE SHELF FOR 3 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10380680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLA Follette, TN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I BOUGHT MY SATURN SC1 SERIES 1997 AT 83,000 MILES. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HAD IT CHECKED AT AUTO ZONE, SECOND GEAR TO RATIO WAS OFF, A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER, 90,000 I LOST REVERSE. I DROVE WITHOUT REVERSE FOR 2 YEARS UNTIL I COULD AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. THE TRANSMISSION GUY TOLD ME THAT THE NUT/BOLT THAT HOLDS THE GEARS TWISTED OFF CRACKED THE SHELL OF THE TRANSMISSION. NOT GOOD AT ALL, I HAD TO PUT A FULL BOTTLE OF TRANNY FLUID IN IT 2-3 TIMES A WEEK FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. AND HAD TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF AS IT WAS A DEFECT OF THE MAKER, NOT MINE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER SATURN. EVER. SAD THING IS, I'M STILL PAYING ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10275494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesOdessa, TX
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SC1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCK FEATURE OF THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. AS A CONSEQUENCE, HE IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V161000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT PAID $400 TO HAVE THE RETRACTOR REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #10231696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,297 milesYpsilanti, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
WHEN THE CAR WAS COMING TO A STOP, THE ENGINE WOULD START TO STALL, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD DIM AND THE ELECTRONIC DASH WOULD GO OUT AND THE CAR WOULD COMPLETELY STALL. THE CAR WOULD NOT START ON ITS OWN AND WOULD HAVE TO BE JUMPED OFF. IF THIS HAPPENED WHEN PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY, YOU COULD WAIT AN HOUR AND THE CAR WOULD START AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. WHEN YOU TOOK OFF AGAIN THE SAME THINGS WOULD START UP AGAIN WITH THE STALLING AND THE NO STARTS.
NHTSA complaint #10224370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN KEY IS IN IGNITION AND STARTED AND STILL IN PARK THE SHIFT LOCK MECHANISM WILL NOT DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. ALSO WHEN I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND TURN KEY TO OFF POSITION THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION LEAVING THE CAR SUSCEPTIBLE TO THEFT.
NHTSA complaint #10103068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesVista, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE BECAME SQUARELY. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD, SPILLING OIL ALL OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED SMOKE AND GOT OIL ALL OVER THE TIRES. IT BLEW OUT 4 QUARTS OF OIL VERY RAPIDLY, CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO SWIRL ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH OIL SMOKE, MAKING VISIBILITY VERY DANGEROUS. THERE WAS A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD THAT WENT ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. IT ONLY EFFECTED THE OIL. THIS DEFECT WAS NEXT TO THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. THE CASTING DID NOT LOOK LIKE VERY GOOD QUALITY. IT WAS NOT REINFORCED AS IT SHOULD BE.
NHTSA complaint #10101232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South River, NJ1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #10099237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesAnaheim, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
VEHICLE TO DATE IS ON IT'S 3RD BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WITH ONLY 36,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER SAID IT WAS A FLAW W/BATTERY/ALTERNATOR. BATTERY/ALTERNATOR 1ST REPLACED JULY - AUG 2002 APPROX 16,000 MILES, SECOND REPLACEMENT OCT 2004 BATTERY & ALTERNATOR 32,000 APPROX MILES. BATTERY PRORATED/REPLACED ALTERNATOR - OWNER MUST PAY FOR FULL REPAIRS. ALSO, IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND REPAIRED ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #10095808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesAnaheim, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
VEHICLE TO DATE IS ON IT'S 3RD BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WITH ONLY 36,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER SAID IT WAS A FLAW W/BATTERY/ALTERNATOR. BATTERY/ALTERNATOR 1ST REPLACED JULY - AUG 2002 APPROX 16,000 MILES, SECOND REPLACEMENT OCT 2004 BATTERY & ALTERNATOR 32,000 APPROX MILES. BATTERY PRORATED/REPLACED ALTERNATOR - OWNER MUST PAY FOR FULL REPAIRS. ALSO, IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND REPAIRED ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #10095808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesAnaheim, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
VEHICLE TO DATE IS ON IT'S 3RD BATTERY & ALTERNATOR WITH ONLY 36,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER SAID IT WAS A FLAW W/BATTERY/ALTERNATOR. BATTERY/ALTERNATOR 1ST REPLACED JULY - AUG 2002 APPROX 16,000 MILES, SECOND REPLACEMENT OCT 2004 BATTERY & ALTERNATOR 32,000 APPROX MILES. BATTERY PRORATED/REPLACED ALTERNATOR - OWNER MUST PAY FOR FULL REPAIRS. ALSO, IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND REPAIRED ONCE.
NHTSA complaint #10095808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesRockford, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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."
NHTSA complaint #10064451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesYonkers, NYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING AT 25/30 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE REAR TAIL LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10022646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hill, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. ALSO, THERE IS NO HORN, AND HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON .
NHTSA complaint #897082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hill, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. ALSO, THERE IS NO HORN, AND HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON .
NHTSA complaint #897082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hill, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. ALSO, THERE IS NO HORN, AND HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON .
NHTSA complaint #897082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.