1998 Saturn SC1: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
39
owner complaints
0
fire reports
56,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsWeak spot: engine and engine cooling (26%)
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)26% · 10 complaints
Seat Belts18% · 7 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)10% · 4 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)8% · 3 complaints
Tires5% · 2 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)5% · 2 complaints
“While my grandson was driving my 1998 saturn sc2, another vehicle hit the car on the drivers' side and the airbags did not deployed. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2009
“During the smog test, my car overheated but the temp. Gauge did not indicate it was hot. The temp gauge was registering that the car was running at it's usual temperature. I have always gotten my oil changed when I'm suppose to, and I've had the engine flushed to try and keep it in good mechanical condition. It also is not starting at times, and today it was making a slight jerking motion as if a fuel filter is clogging. I've replaced the catalytic converter, & a couple of sensors. Plus, my seat belts have never retracted correctly and frequently get caught in the door. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2009
“Transmission shift cable, just broke while driving. After doing some research, I found this is a very common problem with the saturn sc2. The plastic ball that holds the cable in the shift lever commonly breaks. Instead of selling a device to repair the cable, the require you to buy the entire cable that costs around $500.00. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Sun roof rails, after a great deal of research I have found the clips that the sunroof runs along to raise and return the window to its closed position, are defective. The company's answer to this problem is to sell you a very expensive replacement kit in which most of the parts are not even necessary. This is such a common problem with the clips, that there are actually company's that sell the parts around this problem that sell non defective replacement parts that permanently fix the problem. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2005
“I own a 1998 saturn sc2 and I have had many costly problems with it. On october 5, 2004 the engine failed because of a timing chain and now the whole engine will have to be rebuilt. Prior to this incident, the car has been consuming an enormous amount of oil. In march of 2004 I had to have the fuel injectors and o2 sensor replaced. I have had many expensive problems with this car. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2004
“The head on the engine block failed while driving on the highway. The head was full of holes, it was discovered by the dealer. Saturn refused the claim unless the vehicle was towed to another dealer. *jb the vehicle smoked so bad that it almost caused a serious accident in which oil spilled over the highway. *sc *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2004
“At 60-65 mph driver heard a knocking sound. The noise level increased rapidly, then, engine stalled. Vehicle was in traveling lane on the highway, consumer exited vehicle, and ran to shoulder. Vehicle was rear ended by 5-6 different vehicles.*ak dealer stated engine seized due to no oil in reservoir, this caused a hole in the engine block. Consumer had oil change done 200 miles prior to this incident. Please provide dollar amount of damage to vehicle.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“Intermittent stalling whenever vehicle comes to a stop or cruises along without foot pressing on the accelerator pedal. Vehicle was inspected on one occasion, and consumer was informed that the problem could not be duplicated. *nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003
“Oil pressure suddenly changed and fumes came from under hood. I pulled car off interstate immediately and checked under hood. Upon checking oil, found that it was completely dry. I have kept regular maintenance on car, as can be verified by saturn. Was told that engine would have to be replaced. The car is a 1998 saturn sc2 with 91,000 miles.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2002
“Seat belt retractor on driver side no longer works, this allows the belt to become caught in the door, damaging the strap. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 1998 Saturn SC1 reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Saturn SC1. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Saturn SC1 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 56,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.