1995 Saturn SC: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (34% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1999

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

94,450

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

No fire reportsProblems tend to appear late (median 94,450 mi)Weak spot: seats (34%)

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Seats34% · 13 complaints

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)13% · 5 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)8% · 3 complaints

Seat Belts5% · 2 complaints

Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)5% · 2 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5% · 2 complaints

“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. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2005

“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? *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2003

“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.”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2003

Show 7 more owner reports

“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. *jg”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2002

“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2002

“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”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2002

“Consumer stated while driving, the driver and passenger seats shifted backward, affecting consumer's control of the vehicle. Mr *jb”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2002

“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. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2002

“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. *yh”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2002

“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.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2002

When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)94V217000 · Nov 1994

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED, OR REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK." THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Remedy: CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.

SEATS99V045000 · Mar 1999

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

199323 complaints · 1 recalls 199451 complaints · 1 recalls 1995 (this page)39 complaints · 2 recalls 199626 complaints · 0 recalls 199733 complaints · 3 recalls

Check your exact SC by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1995 Saturn SC reliable?

NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Saturn SC. The most complained-about area is seats (34% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1995 Saturn SC problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 94,450 miles or less.

Does the 1995 Saturn SC have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle). 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.