Owners have filed 102 complaints
about the 1994 Saturn SC1 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2007.
The largest single group is the seats.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 87
Against the median year of the Saturn SC1. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Recliner
2143.8%
Engine
714.6%
Retractor
510.4%
Foundation Components
48.3%
Gasoline
36.3%
Latch
36.3%
Automatic Transmission
36.3%
Tread/Belt
24.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
125.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
125.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
250.0%
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.
Jan 1995peak 6Sep 2007
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Saturn SC1
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
EA98017Opened 31 Jul 1998Closed 16 Mar 1999SEATS
SEAT BACK FAILURES
IN ITS LETTER DATED MARCH 5, 1999, GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT IT WILL RECALL 136,300 MODEL YEAR 1994 AND 1995 SATURN VEHICLE (ALL MODELS) BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1994 AND AUGUST 1994.DURING THIS PERIOD, SATURN'S SEAT SUPPLIER MANUFACTURED RECLINER ASSEMBLIES WHICH WERE OUT OF DESIGN SPECIFICATION, ALLOWING THE FRONT SEAT BACKS TO RECLINE OR COLLAPSE INADVERTENTLY.TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, SATURN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK RECLINER ASSEMBLIES.SEE NHTSA'S SAFETY RECALL FILL 99V-045 FOR DETAILS.
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 1994 Saturn SC1
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
99V045000
SEATS
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.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 117,000 milesChariton, IACrash1 injured
WHEELS
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN 1994 SATURN SC2 WHEN RIGHT REAR WHEEL SNAPPED OFF. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. DAUGHTER WAS AIR LIFTED TO UNITED METHODIST HOSPITAL DES MOINES IA. WITH BRAIN CONCUSSION, FACIAL CUTS WHICH REQUIRED PLASTIC SURGERY THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT, PARTLY COLLAPSED LUNG, INJURED SPLEEN, BROKEN LEG. WILL REQUIRE MORE PLASTIC SURGERY. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THE CAR. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. WHEEL DEFINITELY POSSIBLE FAILURE WITH THE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10135310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO A GATED ENTRANCE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH WHEN STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE WHICH CAUSED A FIRE AND DESTROYED MOST OF COMPONENTS WITHIN COLUMN. INSURANCE COMPANY (STANLEY INSURANCE) WAS SENDING AN ADJUSTER TO EXAMINE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #881352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OHCrash
WHEELS:HUB
I WAS DRIVING MY SATURN IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON, OH WHEN WHEEL HUB/AXLE BROKE, CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE TO SPIN INTO A STREET SIGN. IT WAS A COLD CLOUDY DAY, BUT IT WAS LIGHT, AND THERE WAS NO MOISTURE. THE ROAD WAS BUMPY AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, BUT CERTAINLY NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A WHEEL BREAKING OFF. THIS INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO SATURN, WHO BROUGHT ENGINEERS HERE TO HASTILY DETERMINE (WITHOUT EVEN SPEAKING WITH ME) THAT I DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE CURB, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BREAK OFF (WHICH COULDN'T BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH).
NHTSA complaint #737325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FLCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
1994 SATURN SC-2 WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT APPROX 40 MPH WHILE SATURN WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINERS FAILED TO SECURE OCCUPANTS. SEATS RECLINED TO THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION UPON IMPACT. I WAS TOLD BY SATURN OF CLEARWATER THAT THE RECLINING MECHANISMS FAILED. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE CAR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE FAILED SEAT RECLINER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #732405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FLCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
1994 SATURN SC-2 WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT APPROX 40 MPH WHILE SATURN WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINERS FAILED TO SECURE OCCUPANTS. SEATS RECLINED TO THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION UPON IMPACT. I WAS TOLD BY SATURN OF CLEARWATER THAT THE RECLINING MECHANISMS FAILED. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE CAR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE FAILED SEAT RECLINER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #732405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Desoto, KSCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS WILL UNEXPECTEDLY COLLAPSE INTO THE RECLINING POSITION
NHTSA complaint #704274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Torrance, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10204868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10204868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10204868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10204868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrance, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10204868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesChariton, IACrash1 injured
WHEELS
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN 1994 SATURN SC2 WHEN RIGHT REAR WHEEL SNAPPED OFF. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. DAUGHTER WAS AIR LIFTED TO UNITED METHODIST HOSPITAL DES MOINES IA. WITH BRAIN CONCUSSION, FACIAL CUTS WHICH REQUIRED PLASTIC SURGERY THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT, PARTLY COLLAPSED LUNG, INJURED SPLEEN, BROKEN LEG. WILL REQUIRE MORE PLASTIC SURGERY. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THE CAR. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. WHEEL DEFINITELY POSSIBLE FAILURE WITH THE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10135310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesPortland, OR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE SHOULDER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS FAILED. IT NO LONGER MOVES FOWARD TO ALLOW EASY ACCESS INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS RESULTS IN PASSENGER HAVING TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE SHOULD BELT AND REMEMBER TO RE-ENGAGE IT FOR SAFETY. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN A BASIC SAFETY SYSTEM FAILS. I WOULD LIKE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR AT NO CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10119662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscatine, IA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
I FEEL THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION, WHICH SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE ANY ONE DIES. THE SPRING THAT RETURNS THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO THE "SHUT" POSITION BREAKS. THEN HANDLE DOES NOT RETURN TO ITS' CLOSED POSITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT LOCK. ALTERNATIVELY, IF THE DOOR IS LOCKED AND THE OUTSIDE HANDLE IS VIBRATED OR LIFTED, THE DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED. IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO BE TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR, WHICH COULD BE FATAL IN AN ACCIDENT, FIRE OR CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10073206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesTigard, OR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
1994 SC2 SATURN. THE SEAT BELTS HAVE TWO PARTS, AND THE UPPER PART MOVES WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR. THE LAP BELT IS SEPARATE AND YOU LATCH THIS MANUALLY. THE PROBLEM IS THE UPPER PART HAS STOPPED WORKING IT WILL NOT MOVE.
NHTSA complaint #10047112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125 milesBaltimore, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL RETRACT AND TIGHTEN SEVERELY. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE DRIVER BEING TRAPPED IN THE SEAT, AND SUSTAINING BRUISES.
NHTSA complaint #10022217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10022219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
RECLINER MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MECHANISM DOES NOT HOLD IN PLACE, AND WHEN THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING, SEAT WILL FALL BACK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #8013833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walhalla, SC
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY RECLINE BY ITSELF WHILE DRVING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE SEAT GEAR TEETH ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY.
NHTSA complaint #8012474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREAD WAS GOOD BUT CAME OFF TIRE. RIPPED MY FRONT FENDER AND PART OF MY FRONT BUMPER. *AK (TIRESIZE: P195/60R15)
NHTSA complaint #756528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Lake, OH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WHEN CONSUMER TRAVELING AT A SUDDEN STOP SEATBELT OPENS UP.
NHTSA complaint #898531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CA
SEATS
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HAS A DEFECT, WHEN DRIVER BARELY LEANS OR PRESSES IT, THE SEATS RECLINED BACKWARDS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #898390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simi Valley, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
BRIDGESTONE, POTENZA, DOT EMCBCHJ208, P195/60R15. REPLACEMENT TIRES ON SATURN, SL, 1994, WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SOUND, AND MANAGED TO GET VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF.*AK (BRIDGESTONE TIRES.) CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON TIRE, THE TREAD CAME OFF TEARING A HOLE IN THE FRONT LEFT FENDER.
NHTSA complaint #895697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
SEATS
TRACK WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT IN 1999. SAME DEFECT OCCURRED AGAIN IN 2001- I WAS MADE TO PAY FOR IT SATURN CITING THAT A 12 MONTH WARRANTY ON THIS RECALL HAD EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #751114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sidney, OH
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHEN PUTTING WAIT ON SEATBACK IT WILL UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY. CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL ON 99 V 045 000. DEALER SAID THIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #886595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Battle Creek, MI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MECHANISM FAILS TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED AS DESIGNED. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #559630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO A GATED ENTRANCE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH WHEN STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE WHICH CAUSED A FIRE AND DESTROYED MOST OF COMPONENTS WITHIN COLUMN. INSURANCE COMPANY (STANLEY INSURANCE) WAS SENDING AN ADJUSTER TO EXAMINE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #881352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE THREW A ROD. IT DESTROYED THE ENGINE AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. ENGINE FAILURE WAS INSTANTANEOUS, ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, GOING AT REGULAR SPEED OF OTHER VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #739885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Damascus, MD
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS FULLY RECLINED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Damascus, MD
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS FULLY RECLINED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OHCrash
WHEELS:HUB
I WAS DRIVING MY SATURN IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON, OH WHEN WHEEL HUB/AXLE BROKE, CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE TO SPIN INTO A STREET SIGN. IT WAS A COLD CLOUDY DAY, BUT IT WAS LIGHT, AND THERE WAS NO MOISTURE. THE ROAD WAS BUMPY AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, BUT CERTAINLY NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A WHEEL BREAKING OFF. THIS INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO SATURN, WHO BROUGHT ENGINEERS HERE TO HASTILY DETERMINE (WITHOUT EVEN SPEAKING WITH ME) THAT I DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE CURB, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BREAK OFF (WHICH COULDN'T BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH).
NHTSA complaint #737325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.