The Saturn SC spans 1995–2026 with 18 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1995, 2002, 1997 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2003, 2004, 2005. It delivers up to 29 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Saturn SC a good car?
Short answer: it depends heavily on which year you buy. Our score for the Saturn SC is 3.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the electrical system — 39 of the 216 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 2003, 2004, 2005 score best in our data, and 1995, 2002 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Saturn SC is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1995 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Saturn SC VIN — every digit explained
Every Saturn SC carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Saturn and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this SC.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. Run it through our free VIN lookup to turn those digits into a model year, an assembly plant and a country of origin.
How many recalls does the Saturn SC have?
The Saturn SC has 18 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2001 Saturn SC recalls 2
Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Risk. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
Fix. SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Risk. FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
2000 Saturn SC recalls 7
Structure:body:bumpers
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 581, "BUMPER STANDARD." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR BUMPER FASTENERS THAT MAY BE LOOSE OR MISSING.
Risk. IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE OR MISSING, THE REAR BUMPER MAY NOT ABSORB ENERGY AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION.
Fix. DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE REAR BUMPER BEAM FASTENERS ARE PRESENT AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND, IF MISSING, INSTALL NEW FASTENERS.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PIPE ATTACHMENT NUTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Risk. IF THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE BRAKE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS FOR LEAKAGE, VERIFY THEY ARE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPES IF NEEDED.
Unknown Or Other
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN QUALITY STANDARDS.
Risk. A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT, PARTICULARLY AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT, MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Risk. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
Fix. SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Risk. FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
Structure:body
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE LATCH MAY OPEN AND THE ARMREST OR THE CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLE COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE ARMREST LATCH.
1999 Saturn SC recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
1997 Saturn SC recalls 3
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK TITLED "HORIZONTAL AIM" DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCT AN OWNER HOW TO ADJUST THE HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. A VEHICLE'S HEADLAMP WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS TO ONCOMING VEHICLES.
Fix. OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM TO BE PLACED OVER THE EXISTING TEXT IN THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PLACE THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK FOR THEM.
Seat Belts:front:retractor
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IS PULLED OUT MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL, A NUMBER OF TIME, THE LOCK-UP FEATURE OF THE RETRACTOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.
Risk. IN A RAPID DECELERATION OR VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
Seats
What's wrong. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS HAVE LESS LOCK PAWL ENGAGEMENT ON THE INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER THAN SPECIFIED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SEAT MOVEMENT WITH A BELTED OCCUPANT DURING A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER.
1995 Saturn SC recalls 2
Seats
What's wrong. 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 APPLIED.
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
Power Train:clutch Assembly:pedal/hand Lever(motorcycle)
What's wrong. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED, OR REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN "PARK." THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. CONSUMERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE PARK LOCK CABLE. IF IT DOES NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY, DEALERS WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.
Best and worst years for the Saturn SC
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 32 tracked years, the worst years are 1995, 2002, 1997 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2003, 2004, 2005.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 SC | Seats | Avoid | |
| 1996 SC | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1997 SC | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1998 SC | Power Train | Average | |
| 1999 SC | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2000 SC | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2001 SC | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2002 SC | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2003 SC | — | Best | |
| 2004 SC | — | Best | |
| 2005 SC | — | Best | |
| 2006 SC | — | Average | |
| 2007 SC | — | Average | |
| 2008 SC | — | Average | |
| 2009 SC | — | Average | |
| 2010 SC | — | Average | |
| 2011 SC | — | Average | |
| 2012 SC | — | Average | |
| 2013 SC | — | Average | |
| 2014 SC | — | Average | |
| 2015 SC | — | Average | |
| 2016 SC | — | Average | |
| 2017 SC | — | Average | |
| 2018 SC | — | Average | |
| 2019 SC | — | Average | |
| 2020 SC | — | Average | |
| 2021 SC | — | Average | |
| 2022 SC | — | Average | |
| 2023 SC | — | Average | |
| 2024 SC | — | Average | |
| 2025 SC | — | Average | |
| 2026 SC | — | Average |
What are the most common Saturn SC problems?
The most-reported Saturn SC problems are Air (1 reports), Other (1 reports) and Seats (23 reports) — out of 216 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Saturn SC specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Saturn SC. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Saturn SC window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Saturn SC cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the SC holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 84 cu ft of passenger volume and 11 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Saturn SC tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Saturn SC get?
The Saturn SC returns up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,050/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2002 Saturn SC (1.9L 4-cyl) gets 29 mpg combined and costs about $2,150/yr to fuel, emitting 306 g/mi CO₂ — that's about $250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 SC | 25 | 36 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 2001 SC | 25 | 36 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 2000 SC | 25 | 36 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1999 SC | 25 | 36 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 SC | 24 | 36 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 SC | 24 | 36 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 SC | 25 | 36 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 SC | 24 | 36 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the SC stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this SC's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Saturn SC have? Power & range
The Saturn SC is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.9L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.9L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Saturn SC cost to own?
A Saturn SC depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used SC is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this SC loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the SC ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Saturn SC safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the SC yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Saturn SC last?
A well-maintained Saturn SC typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Saturn SC’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this SC’s VIN free →All Saturn SC model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Saturn SC — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2025 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2024 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2023 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2022 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2021 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2020 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2019 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2018 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2017 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2016 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2015 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2014 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2013 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2012 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2011 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2010 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2009 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2008 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2007 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2006 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2005 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2004 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2003 SC | 0 | — | |
| 2002 SC | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 SC | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2000 SC | 7 recalls | — | |
| 1999 SC | 1 recall | — | |
| 1998 SC | 1 recall | — | |
| 1997 SC | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1996 SC | 1 recall | — | |
| 1995 SC | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the SC?
By owner-complaint volume, 1995, 2002, 1997 drew the most reports. 2003, 2004, 2005 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the SC have?
18 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Saturn recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the SC get?
Up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a SC last?
A well-maintained SC typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the SC reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the SC is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Saturn SC warranty?
New Saturn models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Saturn dealer.
Where is the Saturn SC made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your SC's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Saturn may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the SC have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.