1993 Saturn SC1
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 58 |
| 1994 | 82 |
| 1995 | 59 |
| 1996 | 39 |
| 1997 | 61 |
| 1998 | 39 |
| 1999 | 21 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 25 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
10% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040511
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ABS, LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION 25 MPH. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950418
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING TRIED TO TURN ON CRUISE CONTROL IT WOULDN'T CUT OFF. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950424
VEHICLES CRUISE CONTROL JAMMED AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF AT 65MPH, SKIDDED 90 FEET HIT BANK AND ROLLED OVER.(PE94-079). TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950405
7% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 93V094000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 93V132000 — check if this car was fixed
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V094000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V132000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Saturn SC1 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Saturn SC1 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Saturn SC1?
The most-reported component is seats:front assembly:recliner, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Saturn SC1 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.