MYRModel Year Report

1994 Saturn SC1

◆ Worse than typical
1994 Saturn SC1
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:44.698Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
82
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seats

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1994: 82 complaints 1994 82 1995: 59 complaints 1996: 39 complaints 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 25 complaints 2001
1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1992 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1994 82 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1996 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 25 complaints 2001
1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1992 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1994 82 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1996 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 2001: 25 complaints 2001

1994: 82 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19916
199215
199358
199482
199559
199639
199761
199839
199921
20008
200125

Known problem areas

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

Seats

39% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-03-18

Consumer was in a rearend accident and the front driver's and passenger's side seats reclined backwards . Please describe .

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-11

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine motor continuously shuts down while driving. Cause unknown.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-03

Seat belts

15% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-03

Service brakes

13% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

9% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1994Complaint volume 82 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1994-11-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-02-24 Cruise control failure
  3. I
    1995-02-24Engineering analysisClosed 1996-05-31 Cruise control failures
  4. I
    1998-07-31Engineering analysisClosed 1999-03-16 Seat back failures
  5. R
    1999-03-13Seats99V045000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2000-02-16Recall queryClosed 2000-08-19 Front seat back can recline or collapse

Buy-smart checklist

1994 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seats: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V045000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 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, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Saturn SC1 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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