1994 Saturn SC1
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
23% of complaints: seats — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
UPON IMPACT, DURING REAR COLLISION AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, 6:00 ON REAR BUMPER, DRIVER'S SEATBACK REST BROKE THEN COLLAPSED REARWARD. DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970318
13% of complaints: seats — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS IN A REAREND ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATS RECLINED BACKWARDS . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961211
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030603
6% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL RETRACT AND TIGHTEN SEVERELY. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE DRIVER BEING TRAPPED IN THE SEAT, AND SUSTAINING BRUISES.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030603
SAFETY TIMELINE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
SEAT BACK FAILURES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS AP
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
Campaign 99V045000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SEAT BACK CAN RECLINE OR COLLAPSE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V045000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Saturn SC1 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Saturn SC1 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Saturn SC1?
The most-reported component is seats:front assembly:recliner, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Saturn SC1 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.