MYRModel Year Report

2002 Saturn SC

○ Not enough data
2002 Saturn SC
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:50:46.881Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
38
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1993: 23 complaints 1993 1994: 51 complaints 1995: 39 complaints 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1997: 33 complaints 1997 1998: 13 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 7 complaints 2001: 21 complaints 2002: 38 complaints 2002 38
1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1992 1993: 23 complaints 1993 1994: 51 complaints 1994 1995: 39 complaints 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1996 1997: 33 complaints 1997 1998: 13 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 7 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 38 complaints 2002 38
1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1992 1993: 23 complaints 1993 1994: 51 complaints 1994 1995: 39 complaints 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1996 1997: 33 complaints 1997 1998: 13 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 7 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 38 complaints 2002 38

2002: 38 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19915
199216
199323
199451
199539
199626
199733
199813
199924
20007
200121
200238

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Car has had issues with the starter over the years, requiring countless replacements before the recommended replacement dates. Recently, a starter lasted only 6 months before failing.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-15

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-27

Air bags

16% · 6 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-21

While driving approximately 40 MPH another vehicle hit the consumer s vehicle head on. The frontal air bags failed to deploy on impact. Please provide further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-25

My vehicle was in a head-on crash and none of the four airbags were deployed. My vehicle was a 2002 Saturn SC2 ,and is now a total loss. It's VIN number is [xxx].

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-31

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE

Service brakes

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing column.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Saturn SC — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 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 2002 Saturn SC?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn SC have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.