1997 Saturn SC1 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 18%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,550miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Saturn SC1, 18% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,550 miles.
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.
“Vehicle has only 37,000 miles on it, engine is dead. Will cost over $3000 for new engine. This car has been in for numerous repairs, many problems, and most were never fixed. I approached the dealership in summer 2000 about going to arbitration re: having vehicle replaced, and they refused to provide the area representatively name and number. I got it anyway and filed a complaint. Dealer promised to rectify all issues, and repaired several problems, which have all recurred (and worse) since the warranty expired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008295, filed 2003-03, 37,100 miles“I bought my Saturn in may of 1999, at 20,000 miles. It was previously a lease vehicle. At 73,000 miles, the engine started to burn over 2.5 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. The car was under warranty and the engine was rebuilt. At approximately 150,000 miles the engine started burning again. I have to have my oil changed every 1500 to 2000 miles now. I have been told, by multiple mechanics, that this is a common problem with the Saturn sc2s. I've also had the ignition replaced. I started having problems with starting it up at about 45,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10031182, filed 2003-08“While driving our Saturn sc2 at approximately 30mph we heard a loud explosion and the vehicle stopped moving. My husband and I exited the vehicle to see what the problem was. The only sign at that time that something was wrong with the vehicle was that there was fluid leaking from underneath the car. We had the vehicle brought back to the house to see what was wrong. My husband looked underneath the car and found a large hole in the rear of the transmission. We then called Saturn service and asked that the vehicle be towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #700799, filed 1998-11“1997 Saturn sc2 experienced transmission failure when the spider pin broke. While on an expressway an explosion occurred in the engine. The engine emitted steam and the consumer was unable to engage the gear. Under the vehicle was fluid and pieces of broken metal. The consumer was informed that the spider pin had broken and had come from the carrier jamming itself and caused immediate transmission failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10124724, filed 2005-06“Vehicle stalled on five occasions while driving. Been into dealer shop on two separate occasions, and unable to locate cause. The problem was found to be as a faulty crank angle sensor and battery. Later on, the same vehicle was reparied for motor mounts and steering pump problem.”
NHTSA complaint #879364, filed 2001-01Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 3 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 10% |
| 1998 | 13 | 33% |
| 1997 | 11 | 18% |
| 1996 | 8 | 21% |
| 1995 | 7 | 12% |
| 1994 | 13 | 16% |
| 1993 | 9 | 16% |
| 1992 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Saturn SC1
14 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Saturn SC1
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