1998 Saturn SC1 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Saturn SC1, 8% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Transmission shift cable, just broke while driving. After doing some research, I found this is a very common problem with the Saturn sc2. The plastic ball that holds the cable in the shift lever commonly breaks. Instead of selling a device to repair the cable, the require you to buy the entire cable that costs around $500.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10264892, filed 2009-04, 75,000 miles“The transmission failed prematurely and the consumer is requesting replacement be compensated, the manufacturer would not allow for another mechanic to perform the replacement other than a Saturn dealership or the warranty would not be warranted, consumer requesting reimbursement for warranty repair of the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #558138, filed 2000-11Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Saturn SC1
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBrakes
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 30, 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