VehicleVerdict

1999 Saturn Sc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 1999 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.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Sc years?

Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sc years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Saturn Sc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine933%
Airbags415%
Seats311%
Seat Belts27%
Electrical System27%
Body & Structure27%
Transmission27%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 1999 Saturn Sc have recalls?

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

99V280000Seat BeltsOctober 20, 1999 · 265,698 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I TOOK MY 1999 SATURN SC1 IN TO THE DEALER FOR A RESONATOR REPLACEMENT AND WHEEL ROTATION AND BALANCE AT 49,091 MILES. THE DEALER CALLED ME TO SAY THE UPPER ENGINE MOUNT HAD TO BE REPLACED. LAST WEEK, WHEN WE TOOK MY WIFE'S 1996 SL1 IN FOR ENGINE NOISE, WE WERE ALSO TOLD WE HAD TO REPLACE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 21, 2003

“DT:THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SATURN SC1. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 5, 2005 WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THE FRONT DRIVER OR THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE TWO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE AND BOTH HAVD SEAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 5, 2005 · crash

“1999 SATURN AND I HAVE HAD BIG PROBLEMS GETTING THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY CAR. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 10, 2008

“MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I WAS HIT FROM PASSENGER SIDE, DRIVERS SIDE HIT CONCRETE DIVIDER, AIRBAG KNOCKED ME OUT, AFTER FRONT OF CAR HIT EMBANKMENT, THEN I WOKE UP FROM THE SMOKE, SMELL OF FIRE COMING FROM AIRBAG.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 5, 2014 · crash · fire

1999 Saturn Sc — common questions

Is the 1999 Saturn Sc reliable?

The record is thin — 27 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 1999 Sc problems?

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

Does the 1999 Saturn Sc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Saturn Sc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.