1993 Saturn SC1

● Typical for this model

1993 Saturn SC1
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:47:08.538Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1993: 58 complaints

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

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

SERVICE BRAKES 26%

26% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SEATS 21%

21% of complaints: seats — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY

Show 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19%

19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

SEAT BELTS 10%

10% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040828

Also filed under STRUCTURE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19930612 — electrical system

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

R 19930806 — electrical system

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

I 19941107 — PE (closed 19950224)

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE

I 19950224 — EA (closed 19960531)

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1993 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seats issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 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

▲ 1998 ▲ 1996 ● 1995

WORST YEARS

◆ 1994 ● 1997 ● 1995

See all years ranked →

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 service brakes, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1993 Saturn SC1 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.