MYRModel Year Report

1998 Saturn SC1

▲ Better than typical
1998 Saturn SC1
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:45:29.484Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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, 1998 highlighted. 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 25 complaints 2001
1998: 39 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 36%

36% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

AT 60-65 MPH DRIVER HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND. THE NOISE LEVEL INCREASED RAPIDLY, THEN, ENGINE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS IN TRAVELING LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, CONSUMER EXITED VEHICLE, AND RAN TO SHOULDER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030916

SEAT BELTS 26%

26% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

VISIBILITY 13%

13% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and power window devices and controls.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and interior/under dash.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CONSUMER SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING THE BRAKING CAR IN FRONT OF HER. THE CONSUMER SWERVED INTO THE RIGHT LANE, OVERCOMPENSATED AND TURN 180 DEGREES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050419

Also filed under AIR BAGS

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ● 1993 ● 1995

WORST YEARS

◆ 1994 ● 1997 ● 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Saturn SC1 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Saturn SC1 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Saturn SC1?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Saturn SC1 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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