1999 Saturn SC: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My vehicle was moving on the freeway, when I was hit from passenger side, drivers side hit concrete divider, airbag knocked me out, after front of car hit embankment, then I woke up from the smoke, smell of fire coming from airbag.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2014
“1999 saturn and I have had big problems getting the key out of the ignition. I have never had this problem with any car. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2008
“Dt:the contact owns a 1999 saturn sc1. The contact's vehicle was involved in was in an accident on august 5, 2005 while driving at 60 mph. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy the front driver or the front passenger air bags did not deploy. There were two occupants in the vehicle and both havd seat belts on. Pictures and police report are available. The vehicle was totaled, and one occupant sustained injuries. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“Purchased car june of 2004. Car was one day old and the fuse panel had to be replaced. Then oil was having to be added. Called saturn and was informed saturn cars have a been know to go through oil. Car seemed to be running hot added coolent to notice the coolent seemed to be thick with oil. Flushed system added new coolent. Car ran even hotter was told oil in radiator, need to put in new radiator. Did this and problem was not fixed. Was then told heads were cracked. Called saturn after seeing numerous people on web site with same exact problem. They informed me there was recalls on faulty engine up to 1999 model. And 2000 model. My car year was missed.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to restart vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the cylinder head cracked from the engine, and needed replacement. *ak *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004
“Consumer's seat belt latch would not unlock after her son came out of car seat and got tangled in the car seatbelt. Toddler became wrapped in the seatbelt, the latch would not work. The fire department removed the child by cutting the seat belt off.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2004
“While driving the vehicle overheated and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. *nm the consumer received a letter from the manufacturer which stated that some vehicle equipped with 1.9 liter engines may develop a crack internal to the cylinder head. The letter also stated that this special policy provided coverage for a period of 6 years/100000 miles. At approximately 45000 miles a crack was discovered. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle until the consumer authorized a $500. Diagnostic. The consumer refused. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003
“Vehicles started consuming excessive amounts of oil around march 2003. Reported to dealer that I purchased the vehicle at. I had regular oil changes.on april 18th 2003 the dealer discovered and had to replace leaking valve seals, carboned piston rings and connecting rod bearings. In dec. 2003 the vehicle began mixing oil & coolant. Dealer replaced cracked cylinder head costing over $2000.00. This vehicle is a lemon and should not have needed 2 major engine repairs. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003
“I took my 1999 saturn sc1 in to the dealer for a resonator replacement and wheel rotation and balance at 49,091 miles. The dealer called me to say the upper engine mount had to be replaced. Last week, when we took my wife's 1996 sl1 in for engine noise, we were also told we had to replace the engine mount. With my 1999 sc1, it has been taken in for all regularly scheduled maintenance -- why does the engine mounts on saturns need replacing?. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
“Consumer states that the vehicle was involved in a direct frontal collision at 35 mph. Upon impact the air bags did not deployed. Resulting in minor injuries. Dealer would be notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
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 1999 Saturn SC reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Saturn SC. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1999 Saturn SC have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. 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.