VehicleVerdict

1993 Saturn Sc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 1993 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.

29

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Sc years?

Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sc years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Saturn Sc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seats931%
Brakes414%
Engine310%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Transmission27%
Lighting13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Fuel System13%
Steering13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Electrical System13%
Latches & Locks13%

Does the 1993 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.

“CONSUMER WAS REARENED BY A VEHICLE WITH A 1 MPH IMPACT, AT THE TIME OF IMPACT DRIVER'S SEAT FELL BACKWARD, COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. MANUFACTURER STATED SEAT WAS SUPPOSE TO COLLAPSE ,AND THAT WAS A SAFETY FEATURE. *AK THE SEAT FAILED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · crash

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH AND STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. APPLIED BRAKES, AND THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER FOUR TO SIX TIMES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“THE LOCKUP CONVERTOR IN THE TRANS MAKES THE CAR JUMP AT LOW SPEEDS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO REMOVE THE FUSE THAT SENDS POWER THE THE CONVERTOR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 10, 1998

1993 Saturn Sc — common questions

Is the 1993 Saturn Sc reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1993 Sc problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seats (9 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints).

Does the 1993 Saturn Sc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Saturn Sc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 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.