1999 Saturn SC
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 51 |
| 1995 | 39 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 33 |
| 1998 | 13 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 38 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
4 of 24 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160126
Also filed under STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050811
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20020924
3 of 24 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000623
2 of 24 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
CRASH FIRE INJURY2 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
ON MAY 12, 2012 I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE (PART NUMBER LX386) ON MY 1999 SATURN SC2.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140409
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
Campaign 99V280000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Saturn SC — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V280000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 Saturn SC reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Saturn SC?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn SC have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.