FaultScore

FaultScore report

1998 Saturn SC1 problems

Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 1998 Saturn SC1 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2009. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 9 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Saturn SC1.

How this is worked out

The numbers

58

Complaints

8

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

54,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

14%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 49 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 24 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Saturn SC1. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1998 compares with every other Saturn SC1

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Saturn SC1

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 14 24.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 54,500 mi

Seat Belts 10 17.2%

Median failure at 47,741 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 8.6%

Median failure at 51,870 miles

Electrical System 5 8.6%

Median failure at 47,741 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 5.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 113,000 mi

Brakes 3 5.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Airbags 3 5.2%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 20,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 5.2%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 3.4%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Seats 2 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Tires 2 3.4%
Suspension 2 3.4%
Body & Structure 2 3.4%
Other & Unspecified 1 1.7%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 1.7%

Exactly what failed

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.

Engine 6 26.1%
Retractor 4 17.4%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 3 13.0%
Front 2 8.7%
Cooling System 2 8.7%
Gasoline 2 8.7%
Recliner 2 8.7%
Horn 2 8.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 9.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 7 33.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 14.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 33.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 2 9.5%

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.

Apr 1998 peak 6 Dec 2009

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 20,000 miles Saginaw, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING MY 1998 SATURN SC2, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CAR ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10295916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Saginaw, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING MY 1998 SATURN SC2, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CAR ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10295916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Bethlehem, PA Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 ENGAGED. EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV AS IF IN HIGH GEAR. IN MAY OF 2000 THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THE ADJUSTER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CONCLUSIVELY THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS 17 WEEKS PREGNANT AT TIME OF THE ACCIDENT*AK *BF

NHTSA complaint #10118945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Bethlehem, PA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

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 ENGAGED. EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV AS IF IN HIGH GEAR. IN MAY OF 2000 THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THE ADJUSTER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CONCLUSIVELY THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS 17 WEEKS PREGNANT AT TIME OF THE ACCIDENT*AK *BF

NHTSA complaint #10118945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

AT 60-65 MPH DRIVER HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND. THE NOISE LEVEL INCREASED RAPIDLY, THEN, ENGINE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS IN TRAVELING LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, CONSUMER EXITED VEHICLE, AND RAN TO SHOULDER. VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY 5-6 DIFFERENT VEHICLES.*AK DEALER STATED ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO NO OIL IN RESERVOIR, THIS CAUSED A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. CONSUMER HAD OIL CHANGE DONE 200 MILES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10040022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fullerton, CA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED X2 RESULTING IN MY REAR ENDING A JEEP. THE REPAIR COST TO THE CAR AND TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDER COST ME OVER $1500 OUT OF POCKET . THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED IN LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE 2ND TIME IT WENT OUT I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO GET OFF AND USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO GET IT TO THE SHOP. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS SATURN IS SUPPOSED TO BE A RELIABLE CAR. TO HAVE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN A CAR WITH APPROX 26K ON IT IS JUST NOT AN OPTIONL.

NHTSA complaint #752800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 20,000 miles Saginaw, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

WHILE MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING MY 1998 SATURN SC2, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CAR ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10295916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Saginaw, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE MY GRANDSON WAS DRIVING MY 1998 SATURN SC2, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CAR ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10295916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,693 miles Yuba City, CA

SEAT BELTS

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 FREQUENTLY GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR.

NHTSA complaint #10274084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,693 miles Yuba City, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 FREQUENTLY GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR.

NHTSA complaint #10274084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,693 miles Yuba City, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 FREQUENTLY GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR.

NHTSA complaint #10274084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,000 miles Wyoming, DE

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

SUN ROOF RAILS, AFTER A GREAT DEAL OF RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THE CLIPS THAT THE SUNROOF RUNS ALONG TO RAISE AND RETURN THE WINDOW TO ITS CLOSED POSITION, ARE DEFECTIVE. THE COMPANY'S ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM IS TO SELL YOU A VERY EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT KIT IN WHICH MOST OF THE PARTS ARE NOT EVEN NECESSARY. THIS IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CLIPS, THAT THERE ARE ACTUALLY COMPANY'S THAT SELL THE PARTS AROUND THIS PROBLEM THAT SELL NON DEFECTIVE REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT PERMANENTLY FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10264979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Wyoming, DE

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE, JUST BROKE WHILE DRIVING. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SATURN SC2. THE PLASTIC BALL THAT HOLDS THE CABLE IN THE SHIFT LEVER COMMONLY BREAKS. INSTEAD OF SELLING A DEVICE TO REPAIR THE CABLE, THE REQUIRE YOU TO BUY THE ENTIRE CABLE THAT COSTS AROUND $500.00.

NHTSA complaint #10264892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Wyoming, DE

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE, JUST BROKE WHILE DRIVING. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE SATURN SC2. THE PLASTIC BALL THAT HOLDS THE CABLE IN THE SHIFT LEVER COMMONLY BREAKS. INSTEAD OF SELLING A DEVICE TO REPAIR THE CABLE, THE REQUIRE YOU TO BUY THE ENTIRE CABLE THAT COSTS AROUND $500.00.

NHTSA complaint #10264892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE INDICATOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I GET THE PROPER MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, YET THE OIL IS NOW RUNNING OUT EVERYWHERE (69,000 MI.). WHY DOESN'T THE WARNING LIGHT COME ON, OR FLASH - ANYTHING TO WARN ME WHEN THE OIL DOESN'T EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK? I CHECKED THE OIL, 1 MINUTE LATER I DROVE 35 MILES AT A TOP SPEED OF 67. THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WASN'T EVEN AT THE 1/2 WAY POINT, BUT WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR I COULD SMELL THE CAR WAS HOT, & THE OIL DID NOT REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK. THE ONLY INDICATOR LIGHT THAT WORKS PROPERLY IS THE LOW FUEL. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RATTLED, & THE GLOVE BOX HANDLE JUST BROKE OFF. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT MOST OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE STRAP & BUCKLE TO GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE BACK WHEN ACCELERATING & FORWARD WHEN BRAKING (SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE EITHER). NOW IT IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON 1 OCCASSION FOR THAT, AT LEAST 2 TIMES FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHT, 2 TIMES FOR SENSORS, & MORE. TO END THIS, I AM DISTRAUGHT AT THE MOMENT, IT APPEARS AS IF MY CAR HAS BATHED IN OIL FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE, ALL THE WAY DOWN & ALL OVER THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THE PLUG GASKET WAS MANGLED, CHANGED, & STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO A JOB INTERVIEW THIS WEEK!

NHTSA complaint #10119802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

THE INDICATOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I GET THE PROPER MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, YET THE OIL IS NOW RUNNING OUT EVERYWHERE (69,000 MI.). WHY DOESN'T THE WARNING LIGHT COME ON, OR FLASH - ANYTHING TO WARN ME WHEN THE OIL DOESN'T EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK? I CHECKED THE OIL, 1 MINUTE LATER I DROVE 35 MILES AT A TOP SPEED OF 67. THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WASN'T EVEN AT THE 1/2 WAY POINT, BUT WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR I COULD SMELL THE CAR WAS HOT, & THE OIL DID NOT REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK. THE ONLY INDICATOR LIGHT THAT WORKS PROPERLY IS THE LOW FUEL. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RATTLED, & THE GLOVE BOX HANDLE JUST BROKE OFF. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT MOST OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE STRAP & BUCKLE TO GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE BACK WHEN ACCELERATING & FORWARD WHEN BRAKING (SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE EITHER). NOW IT IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON 1 OCCASSION FOR THAT, AT LEAST 2 TIMES FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHT, 2 TIMES FOR SENSORS, & MORE. TO END THIS, I AM DISTRAUGHT AT THE MOMENT, IT APPEARS AS IF MY CAR HAS BATHED IN OIL FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE, ALL THE WAY DOWN & ALL OVER THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THE PLUG GASKET WAS MANGLED, CHANGED, & STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO A JOB INTERVIEW THIS WEEK!

NHTSA complaint #10119802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

THE INDICATOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I GET THE PROPER MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, YET THE OIL IS NOW RUNNING OUT EVERYWHERE (69,000 MI.). WHY DOESN'T THE WARNING LIGHT COME ON, OR FLASH - ANYTHING TO WARN ME WHEN THE OIL DOESN'T EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK? I CHECKED THE OIL, 1 MINUTE LATER I DROVE 35 MILES AT A TOP SPEED OF 67. THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WASN'T EVEN AT THE 1/2 WAY POINT, BUT WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR I COULD SMELL THE CAR WAS HOT, & THE OIL DID NOT REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK. THE ONLY INDICATOR LIGHT THAT WORKS PROPERLY IS THE LOW FUEL. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RATTLED, & THE GLOVE BOX HANDLE JUST BROKE OFF. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT MOST OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE STRAP & BUCKLE TO GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE BACK WHEN ACCELERATING & FORWARD WHEN BRAKING (SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE EITHER). NOW IT IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON 1 OCCASSION FOR THAT, AT LEAST 2 TIMES FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHT, 2 TIMES FOR SENSORS, & MORE. TO END THIS, I AM DISTRAUGHT AT THE MOMENT, IT APPEARS AS IF MY CAR HAS BATHED IN OIL FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE, ALL THE WAY DOWN & ALL OVER THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THE PLUG GASKET WAS MANGLED, CHANGED, & STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO A JOB INTERVIEW THIS WEEK!

NHTSA complaint #10119802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

THE INDICATOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I GET THE PROPER MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, YET THE OIL IS NOW RUNNING OUT EVERYWHERE (69,000 MI.). WHY DOESN'T THE WARNING LIGHT COME ON, OR FLASH - ANYTHING TO WARN ME WHEN THE OIL DOESN'T EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK? I CHECKED THE OIL, 1 MINUTE LATER I DROVE 35 MILES AT A TOP SPEED OF 67. THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WASN'T EVEN AT THE 1/2 WAY POINT, BUT WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR I COULD SMELL THE CAR WAS HOT, & THE OIL DID NOT REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK. THE ONLY INDICATOR LIGHT THAT WORKS PROPERLY IS THE LOW FUEL. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RATTLED, & THE GLOVE BOX HANDLE JUST BROKE OFF. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT MOST OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE STRAP & BUCKLE TO GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE BACK WHEN ACCELERATING & FORWARD WHEN BRAKING (SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE EITHER). NOW IT IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON 1 OCCASSION FOR THAT, AT LEAST 2 TIMES FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHT, 2 TIMES FOR SENSORS, & MORE. TO END THIS, I AM DISTRAUGHT AT THE MOMENT, IT APPEARS AS IF MY CAR HAS BATHED IN OIL FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE, ALL THE WAY DOWN & ALL OVER THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THE PLUG GASKET WAS MANGLED, CHANGED, & STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO A JOB INTERVIEW THIS WEEK!

NHTSA complaint #10119802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, CA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

THE INDICATOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I GET THE PROPER MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, YET THE OIL IS NOW RUNNING OUT EVERYWHERE (69,000 MI.). WHY DOESN'T THE WARNING LIGHT COME ON, OR FLASH - ANYTHING TO WARN ME WHEN THE OIL DOESN'T EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK? I CHECKED THE OIL, 1 MINUTE LATER I DROVE 35 MILES AT A TOP SPEED OF 67. THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WASN'T EVEN AT THE 1/2 WAY POINT, BUT WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR I COULD SMELL THE CAR WAS HOT, & THE OIL DID NOT REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK. THE ONLY INDICATOR LIGHT THAT WORKS PROPERLY IS THE LOW FUEL. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RATTLED, & THE GLOVE BOX HANDLE JUST BROKE OFF. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT MOST OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE STRAP & BUCKLE TO GET CAUGHT IN THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE BACK WHEN ACCELERATING & FORWARD WHEN BRAKING (SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING INTO PLACE EITHER). NOW IT IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON 1 OCCASSION FOR THAT, AT LEAST 2 TIMES FOR THE INTERIOR LIGHT, 2 TIMES FOR SENSORS, & MORE. TO END THIS, I AM DISTRAUGHT AT THE MOMENT, IT APPEARS AS IF MY CAR HAS BATHED IN OIL FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ENGINE, ALL THE WAY DOWN & ALL OVER THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THE PLUG GASKET WAS MANGLED, CHANGED, & STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE SITUATION. MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO A JOB INTERVIEW THIS WEEK!

NHTSA complaint #10119802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Bethlehem, PA Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 ENGAGED. EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV AS IF IN HIGH GEAR. IN MAY OF 2000 THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THE ADJUSTER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CONCLUSIVELY THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS 17 WEEKS PREGNANT AT TIME OF THE ACCIDENT*AK *BF

NHTSA complaint #10118945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Bethlehem, PA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

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 ENGAGED. EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV AS IF IN HIGH GEAR. IN MAY OF 2000 THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THE ADJUSTER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE CONCLUSIVELY THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS 17 WEEKS PREGNANT AT TIME OF THE ACCIDENT*AK *BF

NHTSA complaint #10118945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,741 miles Bettendorf, IA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

1998 SATURN SC2- CAM COVER LEAK- 12/13/02 SAME CAM COVER LEAK 10/26/04 PAID FOR IT TWICE... $98.86 AND 76.98. ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE- ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED- SUN ROOF MOTOR FAILED- WANTS $925.00 TO FIX- HORN HAD INTERNAL SHORT 10/26/04 $112.11, WEATHERSTRIPPING REPLACE ON DRIVERS DOOR 5/7/01, BELT TENSIONER REPLACE 12/13/02, IDLER PULLEY REPLACED 10/26/04. EXHAUST REPLACED 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.

NHTSA complaint #10100226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,741 miles Bettendorf, IA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1998 SATURN SC2- CAM COVER LEAK- 12/13/02 SAME CAM COVER LEAK 10/26/04 PAID FOR IT TWICE... $98.86 AND 76.98. ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE- ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED- SUN ROOF MOTOR FAILED- WANTS $925.00 TO FIX- HORN HAD INTERNAL SHORT 10/26/04 $112.11, WEATHERSTRIPPING REPLACE ON DRIVERS DOOR 5/7/01, BELT TENSIONER REPLACE 12/13/02, IDLER PULLEY REPLACED 10/26/04. EXHAUST REPLACED 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.

NHTSA complaint #10100226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,741 miles Bettendorf, IA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

1998 SATURN SC2- CAM COVER LEAK- 12/13/02 SAME CAM COVER LEAK 10/26/04 PAID FOR IT TWICE... $98.86 AND 76.98. ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE- ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED- SUN ROOF MOTOR FAILED- WANTS $925.00 TO FIX- HORN HAD INTERNAL SHORT 10/26/04 $112.11, WEATHERSTRIPPING REPLACE ON DRIVERS DOOR 5/7/01, BELT TENSIONER REPLACE 12/13/02, IDLER PULLEY REPLACED 10/26/04. EXHAUST REPLACED 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.

NHTSA complaint #10100226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,741 miles Bettendorf, IA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

1998 SATURN SC2- CAM COVER LEAK- 12/13/02 SAME CAM COVER LEAK 10/26/04 PAID FOR IT TWICE... $98.86 AND 76.98. ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE- ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED- SUN ROOF MOTOR FAILED- WANTS $925.00 TO FIX- HORN HAD INTERNAL SHORT 10/26/04 $112.11, WEATHERSTRIPPING REPLACE ON DRIVERS DOOR 5/7/01, BELT TENSIONER REPLACE 12/13/02, IDLER PULLEY REPLACED 10/26/04. EXHAUST REPLACED 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.

NHTSA complaint #10100226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,741 miles Bettendorf, IA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

1998 SATURN SC2- CAM COVER LEAK- 12/13/02 SAME CAM COVER LEAK 10/26/04 PAID FOR IT TWICE... $98.86 AND 76.98. ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE- ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED- SUN ROOF MOTOR FAILED- WANTS $925.00 TO FIX- HORN HAD INTERNAL SHORT 10/26/04 $112.11, WEATHERSTRIPPING REPLACE ON DRIVERS DOOR 5/7/01, BELT TENSIONER REPLACE 12/13/02, IDLER PULLEY REPLACED 10/26/04. EXHAUST REPLACED 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.

NHTSA complaint #10100226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,741 miles Bettendorf, IA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

1998 SATURN SC2- CAM COVER LEAK- 12/13/02 SAME CAM COVER LEAK 10/26/04 PAID FOR IT TWICE... $98.86 AND 76.98. ELECTRICAL NIGHTMARE- ELECTRIC WINDOW FAILED- SUN ROOF MOTOR FAILED- WANTS $925.00 TO FIX- HORN HAD INTERNAL SHORT 10/26/04 $112.11, WEATHERSTRIPPING REPLACE ON DRIVERS DOOR 5/7/01, BELT TENSIONER REPLACE 12/13/02, IDLER PULLEY REPLACED 10/26/04. EXHAUST REPLACED 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.

NHTSA complaint #10100226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,000 miles Oshkosh, WI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

I OWN A 1998 SATURN SC2 AND I HAVE HAD MANY COSTLY PROBLEMS WITH IT. ON OCTOBER 5, 2004 THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE OF A TIMING CHAIN AND NOW THE WHOLE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE CAR HAS BEEN CONSUMING AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF OIL. IN MARCH OF 2004 I HAD TO HAVE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND O2 SENSOR REPLACED. I HAVE HAD MANY EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10093837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,000 miles Chalmette, LA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THE HEAD ON THE ENGINE BLOCK FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE HEAD WAS FULL OF HOLES, IT WAS DISCOVERED BY THE DEALER. SATURN REFUSED THE CLAIM UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER. *JB THE VEHICLE SMOKED SO BAD THAT IT ALMOST CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN WHICH OIL SPILLED OVER THE HIGHWAY. *SC

NHTSA complaint #10091417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Grand Blanc, MI

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION IT WILL TIGHTEN UP SO THAT THE PASSENGER CANNOT MOVE, AND PASSENGER PANICS. AT TIMES, WHEN PASSENGER ENTERS VEHICLE, BELT WILL NOT PULL OUT... SOMETIMES THE DOOR HAS TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED, AND THE BELT FIDDLED WITH BEFORE IT WILL PULL OUT IN ORDER TO BE USED. I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE WITH UNRESTRAINED PASSENGERS. MY BROTHER AND I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW, AND WE HAVE HAD THIS IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. THE BELT WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT DID NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. NO PROBLEM WITH DRIVER SIDE BELT. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN TODAY AND WAS TOLD AGAIN THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I BEG TO DIFFER.. A BELT THAT REFUSES TO PULL OUT AND/OR TRIES TO STRANGLE MY PASSENGERS HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT!!!

NHTSA complaint #10064423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

AT 60-65 MPH DRIVER HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND. THE NOISE LEVEL INCREASED RAPIDLY, THEN, ENGINE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS IN TRAVELING LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, CONSUMER EXITED VEHICLE, AND RAN TO SHOULDER. VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY 5-6 DIFFERENT VEHICLES.*AK DEALER STATED ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO NO OIL IN RESERVOIR, THIS CAUSED A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. CONSUMER HAD OIL CHANGE DONE 200 MILES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10040022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.