VehicleVerdict

1992 Saturn Sc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 1992 Saturn Sc — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Sc years?

Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sc years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Saturn Sc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1146%
Body & Structure313%
Engine28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Seats14%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)14%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Electrical System14%
Latches & Locks14%
Other14%

Does the 1992 Saturn Sc have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

92V098000TransmissionJuly 8, 1992 · 633 units

Defect

THE TRANSAXLE VALVE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MACHINED. VEHICLES MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK.

Consequence

IF THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK ORNEUTRAL, IT COULD BE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR COULD STARTIN REVERSE OR DRIVE, OR MIGHT MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLECRASH OR INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE VALVE BODIES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS NOT WORKING . TT CONSUMER STATES MOTORIZED BELT MADE BUZZIING NOISES AND HAD INCOMPLETE RETRACTION, EARLIER THE MOTOR HAD QUIT ALL TOGETHER, DEALER DECLINED TO REMEDY DEFECT DUE TO OUT OF WARRANTY. DOOR HAS RATTLED SINCE NEW. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS NOT WORKING . TT CONSUMER STATES MOTORIZED BELT MADE BUZZIING NOISES AND HAD INCOMPLETE RETRACTION, EARLIER THE MOTOR HAD QUIT ALL TOGETHER, DEALER DECLINED TO REMEDY DEFECT DUE TO OUT OF WARRANTY. DOOR HAS RATTLED SINCE NEW. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

1992 Saturn Sc — common questions

Is the 1992 Saturn Sc reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1992 Sc problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (11 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1992 Saturn Sc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Saturn Sc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Saturn Sc under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.