MYRModel Year Report

1998 Saturn SC1

▲ Better than typical
1998 Saturn SC1
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:33:55.169Z

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
39
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1997: 61 complaints 1998: 39 complaints 1998 39 1999: 21 complaints 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 25 complaints 2001
1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1992 1993: 58 complaints 1993 1994: 82 complaints 1994 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1996 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 39 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 1995: 59 complaints 1995 1996: 39 complaints 1996 1997: 61 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 39 1999: 21 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2000 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% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2003-09-16

Seat belts

26% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Visibility

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and power window devices and controls.

Electrical system

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing horn and interior/under dash.

Vehicle speed control

8% · 3 reports

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, 2005-04-19

Also filed under Air bags

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Saturn SC1 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years1 year

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