1998 Saturn SC1 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 33%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Saturn SC1, 33% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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 miles“Oil pressure suddenly changed and fumes came from under hood. I pulled car off interstate immediately and checked under hood. Upon checking oil, found that it was completely dry. I have kept regular maintenance on car, as can be verified by Saturn. Was told that engine would have to be replaced. The car is a 1998 Saturn sc2 with 91,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10000215, filed 2002-12, 91,000 miles“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 miles“The head on the engine block failed while driving on the highway. The head was full of holes, it was discovered by the dealer. Saturn refused the claim unless the vehicle was towed to another dealer. The vehicle smoked so bad that it almost caused a serious accident in which oil spilled over the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10091417, filed 2004-09, 54,000 miles“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 milesEngine 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 1998 Saturn SC1
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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