1994 Saturn SC: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 51 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (43% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 and 1996 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2011
“While driving 30 mph driver's seat belt would retract back and forth. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2004
“The transmission went in my saturn sc1 and I lost my job due to the fact that I lived alone at the time, and in a remote area....I also have not had it fixed because the cost of a transmission for the car is more than I can afford...let alone the bill that would insue for having it installed. My co-worker that I work with now..(borrowing my aunts car, and moved to live with my mom) has a saturn sc2 1995 and his transmission went in his too....its rediculous...everyone that I know who owns a saturn sc1 or 2 or has owned one...has replaced or gotten rid of because of transmissions going. There was no warning what so ever...it just went.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car burns oil every 500 miles. See webpage "saturnexposed.com" to see the many other saturn owners who have the same problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2001
“Vehicle involved in a rearend collision, causing vehicle to hit another vehicle at approximately 45 mph. Air bags failed to deploy. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 1999
“While driving in the local area vehicle was rearended, and driver's seatback collapsed. Also, driver's side air bag didn't deploy. Contacted manufacturer and was not able to help because of expired warranty. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Nov 1999
“Fuel system/lines are designed with inadequate protection from road debris, vehicle experienced broken fuel line and leakage due to debris from tire hitting exposed line. Mjs”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1999
“Ea98017, seatback failure: the seatbacks on driver's and passenger's sides are broken. Driver's seat has reclined back several times while driving vehicle . Dealer is not aware of the problem. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Nov 1998
“Both driver and passenger seatbacks abruptly slipped into the reclining position upon accelerating from a stop. (it was kind of funny when it was the passenger side first, not so funny when the driver's seat started to do it.) on 12/31/98, I paid over $300 to have both seats repaired. I told the saturn dealer that this seemed highly unusual and due to a faulty part. I was assured it was normal "wear and tear." now the same year (1994) saturns have been recalled, but my dealer said my car is not within the "VIN range." I think it is highly unlikely that this is a coincidence or due to normal wear and tear. I feel I am due a complete refund on the amount paid for the repair. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Oct 1998
“Fuel tank had a concave look after putting it on rack and needed replacing. Sudden drop in gas mileage, but no leaks. Technician unable to find cause for drop in gas mileage. Reported to bureau of auto repair, investigation pending. *ak *ml”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
How other years compare
Check your exact SC by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1994 Saturn SC reliable?
NHTSA has 51 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Saturn SC. The most complained-about area is seats (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Saturn SC problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 147,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Saturn SC have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.