2002 Saturn Sc problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Sc year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 12 Sc years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (27% of the total).
45
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Sc years?
What are the most common 2002 Saturn Sc problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 12 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 13% | — flat |
| Airbags | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CAR HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE STARTER OVER THE YEARS, REQUIRING COUNTLESS REPLACEMENTS BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT DATES. RECENTLY, A STARTER LASTED ONLY 6 MONTHS BEFORE FAILING. WHEN A MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE STARTER, HE SAID THAT THERE IS PROBABLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION CAUSING THE…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SIDE OBTAINED THE MOST DAMAGE. THERE WERE NOT ANY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SC1. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED COOLANT IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED…”
“ON AUGUST 16, 2003 I CARRIED THE CAR TO A MIDAS LOCATION TO HAVE MY BRAKES AND ALIGNMENT CHECKED. UPON LEAVING THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE SAYING I NEEDED MY ROTORS RESURFACED, REAR BRAKES SERVICED, AND MY FRONT BRAKES SERVICED. WHICH CAME TO A TOTAL OF $148.21. SO, THEREFORE I CALLED SATURN, AND HAD…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SC. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS AND EXERT FORCE TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE AND COIL SPRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
2002 Saturn Sc — common questions
Is the 2002 Saturn Sc reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 12 Sc years. It is one of the Sc years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Sc problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), engine (6 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).
Does the 2002 Saturn Sc have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Saturn Sc.
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.