VehicleVerdict

1991 Saturn SC1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1991 Saturn SC1 — 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other SC1 years?

SC1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted102 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 18 complaints1993: 85 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 73 complaints1996: 43 complaints1997: 98 complaints1998: 58 complaints1999: 30 complaints2000: 10 complaints2001: 29 complaints
SC1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SC1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Saturn SC1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts225%
Seats225%
Suspension225%
Speed Control113%
Steering113%

Does the 1991 Saturn SC1 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.

“FRONT PASSENGER SEATBACK HAD FALLEN BACKWARDS AFTER BEING SAT ON. HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. WOULD REPAIR IF PAID FOR FIRST. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · September 28, 1998

“THIS IS AN AMENDMENT TO MY PREVIOUS REPORT FILED 12-14-98. I HAVE INCLUDED THE V.I.N. AND ADDRESS OF THE DEALER. THE REAR SPINDLE SNAPPED WITH NO IMPACT. THE CAR FLIPPED AND IS TOTALLED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 6, 1998 · crash

“THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT, WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“THIS IS AN AMENDMENT TO MY PREVIOUS REPORT FILED 12-14-98. I HAVE INCLUDED THE V.I.N. AND ADDRESS OF THE DEALER. THE REAR SPINDLE SNAPPED WITH NO IMPACT. THE CAR FLIPPED AND IS TOTALLED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 6, 1998 · crash

“ENGINE ACCELERATES WITHOUT HAVING FOOT ON ACCELERATOR. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS IN GEAR OR NOT, WHETHER PRESSING ON THE BRAKE OR NOT. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS AND WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A FIX FOR IT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 17, 2010

1991 Saturn SC1 — common questions

Is the 1991 Saturn SC1 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 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 SC1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Saturn SC1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Saturn SC1 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SC1 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1993, 1995. The cleanest record among SC1 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.