2002 Saturn SC Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 32%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Saturn SC, 32% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Have been having issues with the vehicle turning the ignition as it jams and at times fearful it may not turn next time I try to start it .....but today while waiting at a red light...car running, radio on and interior dash lights on...everything just shut down....the engine continued to run...but the rest of the car died...I was very nervous waiting for the light to change .....wondering if it would allow me to even get home....within in 2 minutes the electrical did come back....I only purchased my Saturn in feb, as used but did not start seeing these issues until the past 2 months...but…”
NHTSA complaint #10633786, filed 2014-09, 141,000 miles“After reading several cases of which Saturn ignition locking up. So I thought I would give it a shot to file a complaint to see if many a recall will be issued. I really never had any problems with my Saturn until a few months ago when I tried to start my car and the key would not turn over. I just thought it was something I was doing wrong after this happening everyday I knew something was wrong. Right now I am looking into getting this fixed before I have major problems like I have read with other customers of Saturn. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233609, filed 2008-07, 105,000 miles“The keys to the ignition switch have worn down so much that they will not work. I purchased new key blanks, went to the dealer and had them copy the keys. The dealer had to run the keys through the machine twice to cut them properly. The new keys work, but a very great deal of friction is felt when the key is inserted or removed. The key drags badly in the ignition switch lock. The ignition switch has worn out.”
NHTSA complaint #10605810, filed 2014-06, 65,000 miles“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 starter to continuously run while the engine is on. This resulted in the starter completely burning up on the inside. Smoke was visible from this starter. The key also slips out of the ignition in any position, including when the engine is on and car is moving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10790491, filed 2015-11, 118,000 miles“The spark plug wires are arching and sparking which could potentially cause a fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who initially changed the spark plugs. Dealer contacted the division office which told him to put the old spark plugs back on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10042885, filed 2003-10, 11,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 12 | 32% |
| 2001 | 5 | 24% |
| 2000 | 2 | 29% |
| 1999 | 2 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 8% |
| 1997 | 10 | 30% |
| 1996 | 5 | 19% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 6% |
| 1993 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn SC
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Saturn SC
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology