1998 Saturn SC1 Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Saturn SC1 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1998 Saturn SC1. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 13 complaints (33% of the total), followed by seat belts (10) and visibility (5). 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling13 33%
- Seat belts10 26%
- Electrical system4 10%
- Brakes3 7.7%
- Vehicle speed control3 7.7%
- Air bags2 5.1%
- Seats2 5.1%
Also reported: Body and structure (2), Suspension (2), Tires (2), Fuel system (1), Other or unknown (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “I own a 1998 Saturn sc2 and I have had many costly problems with it. On october 5, 2004 the engine failed because of a timing chain and now the whole engine will have to be rebuilt. Prior to this incident, the car has been consuming an enormous amount of oil. In march of 2004 I had to have the fuel injectors and o2 sensor replaced. I have had many expensive problems with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10093837, filed 2004-10, 77,000 milesSeat belts: “During the smog test, my car overheated but the temp. Gauge did not indicate it was hot. The temp gauge was registering that the car was running at it's usual temperature. I have always gotten my oil changed when I'm suppose to, and I've had the engine flushed to try and keep it in good mechanical condition. It also is not starting at times, and today it was making a slight jerking motion as if a fuel filter is clogging. I've replaced the catalytic converter, & a couple of sensors. Plus, my seat belts have never retracted correctly and frequently get caught in the door.”
NHTSA complaint #10274084, filed 2009-06, 97,693 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “1998 Saturn sc2- cam cover leak- 12/13/02 same cam cover leak 10/26/04 paid for it twice... $98.86 and 76.98. Electrical nightmare- electric window failed- sun roof motor failed- wants $925.00 to fix- horn had internal short 10/26/04 $112.11, weatherstripping replace on drivers door 5/7/01, belt tensioner replace 12/13/02, idler pulley replaced 10/26/04. Exhaust replaced 5/08/00 & 8/01/00 & 12/13/02.”
NHTSA complaint #10100226, filed 2004-11, 47,741 milesElectrical system: “The indicator lights do not work properly. I get the proper maintenance required, yet the oil is now running out everywhere (69,000 mi.). Why doesn't the warning light come on, or flash - anything to warn me when the oil doesn't even register on the dip stick? I checked the oil, 1 minute later I drove 35 miles at a top speed of 67. The temperature guage wasn't even at the 1/2 way point, but when I stopped the car I could smell the car was hot, & the oil did not register on the dip stick. The only indicator light that works properly is the low fuel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10119802, filed 2005-05Mileage when problems were reported
27% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,741 and 91,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Saturn SC1 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1998 Saturn SC1.
Other model years of the Saturn SC1
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 25 | 61,779 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 8 | 57,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 21 | 61,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 39 | 56,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 61 | 78,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 39 | 80,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 59 | 65,673 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 82 | 100,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 58 | 122,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 15 | 16,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 6 | 134,635 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Saturn SC1 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Saturn SC1 have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1998 Saturn SC1 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Saturn SC1 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 13 complaints (33% of the total), followed by seat belts with 10.
Has the 1998 Saturn SC1 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Saturn SC1 reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,000 miles and the middle half falls between 47,741 and 91,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.