1993 Saturn SC1: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 58 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (21% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1993 saturn sc2 front seat back recliner mechanism failed causing seat back to recline suddenly and almost injuring passenger in the car. Seat will no longer stay forward which results in seat going back a soon as you press gas pedal. *tr”Owner report · Seats · May 2011
“Consumer was driving at approximately 25 mph and suddenly the lights went dim and smoke began coming from the front of the vehicle. The service manager told consumer that there was a fire coming from the engine compartment, and the wire that connected to the alternator melted. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2005
“Consumer complained about multiple failures. The trunk failed to close on its own. While driving the trunk would open and would not close, and will not lock. Also, consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. The brakes grabbed slowly and caused loss of braking power. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection. Cause had not been determined. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle was stopped when rear ended by vehicle traveling approx. 25 mph. Seat back collapsed on driver's side to 45 degree angle.body shop unable to repair to original condition without replacement.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2004
“The battery cable failed which caused the consumer to replace the battery every year. A recall was issued, however, this vehicle was not included in the recall. *ak the saturn dealer refused to fix the battery cable. Recall# 93v094000. *scc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“Consumer states this is third time has change automatic transmision . Dealer has been notified. And problem is reocuuring. Mr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2002
“Due to plastic door skin (outer paneling ) opening the door in a low speed car accident in addition to passive seat belt falure (intermittently worked)I was ejected from car and left paralyzed. Automatic door locking was rejected by saturn due to cost leaving safety out of concern. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2002
“Driver and passenger doors will not open from inside of vehicle. Consumer is taking it to a private mechanic on april 26th. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2001
“While exiting the turnpike the right front tire and rim came off damaging the right front fender (ohio traffic crash report). Nlm”Owner report · Wheels · Feb 2001
“While driving at 5-10 mph another vehicle traveling at 35 mph rear ended consumer's vehicle. Driver's seatback fell into a child booster seat which was placed behind on driver's side. Seat fell on top of child's leg and broke leg. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
How other years compare
Check your exact SC1 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 1993 Saturn SC1 reliable?
NHTSA has 58 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Saturn SC1. The most complained-about area is seats (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Saturn SC1 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 138,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Saturn SC1 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. 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.