MYRModel Year Report

1994 Saturn SC1

◆ Worse than typical
1994 Saturn SC1
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:48.723Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn SC1 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1994 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 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%

39% of complaints: seats — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

CRASH INJURY
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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970318

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030603

SEAT BELTS 15%

15% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASH INJURY
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

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1994 — complaint volume: 82
I 19941107 — PE (closed 19950224)

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE

I 19950224 — EA (closed 19960531)

CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES

I 19980731 — EA (closed 19990316)

SEAT BACK FAILURES

R 19990313 — seats

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

I 20000216 — RQ (closed 20000819)

FRONT SEAT BACK CAN RECLINE OR COLLAPSE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seats issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V045000 (seats) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 1996 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

● 1997 ● 1995 ● 1993

See all years ranked →

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