2002 Saturn SC: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (31% of complaints); the 2000 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
38
owner complaints
2
fire reports
65,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about SC years (#2 of 10, age-adjusted)Weak spot: electrical system (31%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)31% · 11 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)17% · 6 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)9% · 3 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)6% · 2 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)6% · 2 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)6% · 2 complaints
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start until after awaiting several hours later. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. Also,the key became extremely difficult to turn in the ignition switch. In addition, the key released independently from the ignition switch on numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“Passenger airbag deployed while driving through a parking lot at approx. 15 mph. Car went over a speedbump and airbag spontaneously deployed. No passenger was in the seat at the time. Vehicle ignition "locks" after key is removed, sometimes making it very difficult to turn key when starting car again. Key can also be remived while car is in motion without turning off the ignition. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2013
“The keys to the ignition switch have worn down so much that they will not work. I purchased new key blanks, went to the dealer and had them copy the keys. The dealer had to run the keys through the machine twice to cut them properly. The new keys work, but a very great deal of friction is felt when the key is inserted or removed. The key drags badly in the ignition switch lock. The ignition switch has worn out. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that when the key was placed in the ignition, the theft system activated and the engine failed to start. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 91,654. Updated 04/30/14 ma updated 06/03/14”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. While the vehicle was parked in a lot, the contact had to make numerous attempts and exert force to unlock the steering wheel. An independent mechanic replaced the ignition module and coil spring. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the ignition turned from the on position to the off position on its own. The failure occurred several times. An independent mechanic stated that the ignition switch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2013
“Front end accident. Neither air bag deployed. Car was in motion, went through a rail over a embankment and down the hill into the lake.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc1. The contact stated that when inserting the key into the ignition, the steering column would suddenly lock. She tried to rock the steering wheel back and forth but it would not unlock. The dealer was contacted and they advised her that the cylinder and the housing would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised her that there were no recalls for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Steering · May 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc1. The vehicle was a salvaged vehicle from a certified dealer. While driving 30 mph, the brakes failed and the vehicle crashed into a wall. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact believes it is a serious safety issue to have non-functioning air bags. The vehicle was destroyed and a police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 48,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2007
“The 2002 saturn sc1 needed an intake manifold at 60, 000 miles because it was placed on wrong side at the factory. The mechanic at the dealership said they got alot of these complaints, should this warrant a recall.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · May 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2002 Saturn SC reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Saturn SC. The most complained-about area is electrical system (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Saturn SC problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.