2002 Saturn SC Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Saturn SC, 11% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 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.
“At around 75000 miles I pulled into work, put it in park, and all of a sudden my engine started to rev, (increasing without leveling. I immediately turned off the car to stop the increased revving. I tried to turn the car on again , hoping it was a fluke. And it started again. I got it towed to the dealership, and they told me it had a vaccuum leak and had to have the intake gasket replaced. And that it was going to be extensive work to replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #10191555, filed 2007-05, 75,000 miles“2002 Saturn sc1 lost engine--oil in coolant at 80,000 miles. The mechanic that disassembled the engine stated that the camshaft journals were worn so bad that the engine could not be re-built. Replaced engine 5 months ago, last week, auto transmission stopped engaging reverse gear. Discussed with local Saturn dealer who offered no help. This is my daughter's car. My car--2002 Saturn sc2 had to have an engine overhaul at 46,000 miles due to burned valves in #2 cylinder. Extended warranty covered repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10243382, filed 2008-09, 80,000 miles“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 updated 02/01/08”
NHTSA complaint #10199774, filed 2007-08, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869Jun 15, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10209980Mar 31, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 | 11% |
| 2001 | 4 | 19% |
| 1999 | 7 | 29% |
| 1998 | 3 | 23% |
| 1997 | 5 | 15% |
| 1996 | 6 | 23% |
| 1995 | 3 | 8% |
| 1994 | 4 | 8% |
| 1993 | 3 | 13% |
| 1992 | 1 | 6% |
| 1991 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn SC
12 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBrakes
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 28, 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