VehicleVerdict

1991 Saturn Sc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1991 Saturn Sc — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Sc years?

Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted59 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 24 complaints1993: 29 complaints1994: 59 complaints1995: 50 complaints1996: 41 complaints1997: 44 complaints1998: 17 complaints1999: 27 complaints2000: 8 complaints2001: 29 complaints2002: 45 complaints
Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sc years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Saturn Sc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts350%
Engine233%
Steering117%

Does the 1991 Saturn Sc have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

93V132000Electrical SystemAugust 10, 1993 · 352,833 units

Defect

THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Consequence

SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN OPENING THE DOOR TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DOESN'T MOVE. ONCE GETTING IN AND CLOSING THE DOOR, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STILL WILL NOT MOVE. AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REBUILT.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 4, 1997

“WHEN OPENING THE DOOR TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DOESN'T MOVE. ONCE GETTING IN AND CLOSING THE DOOR, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STILL WILL NOT MOVE. AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REBUILT.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 1997

1991 Saturn Sc — common questions

Is the 1991 Saturn Sc reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1991 Saturn Sc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Saturn Sc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Saturn Sc under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saturn Sc years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sc years to avoid are 1994, 1995, 2002, 1997. The cleanest record among Sc years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.