1999 Saturn SC1 Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles, 3 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 1999 Saturn SC1 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1999 Saturn SC1. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by seat belts (4) and seats (4). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Brakes4 19%
- Seat belts4 19%
- Seats4 19%
- Air bags3 14%
- Electrical system2 9.5%
- Engine cooling2 9.5%
- Tires2 9.5%
- Equipment1 4.8%
- Steering1 4.8%
- Suspension1 4.8%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The plastic button that attaches to the spring to lock the emergency break into place broke. This piece is approximately one ounce at most and it broke while the vehicle was unoccupied and not on an incline. Had the vehicle been on a hill, it would have greatly increased the chances of injuries and/or fatalities. When I contacted Saturn, I was advised that the repair would cost $250 and that it was common enough to which it had been seen multiple times by the mechanical representative to which I was speaking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10019833, filed 2004-01, 61,000 milesSeat belts: “The seat belts do not retract. It takes over 10 minutes for them to retract once you unfasten them. My seat belts were replaced while under warranty and the problem was still not corrected. I was told that is how they work . I am now having problems with them locking while driving. The locking is not triggered by anything that we have found it just won't move when you try to. You can't move unless you undo the seat belt wait for it to retract and then refasten it. When you unfasten it there is a clicking noise as it retracts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010590, filed 2003-03Seats: “I was rear-ended at 65mph on 12-19. My seat back completely reclined and pinned my 9 year old son. He was unconcious for several seconds and suffered a concussion and neck pain. I suffered neck and back injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10054534, filed 2004-01, 49,000 milesAir bags: “While in motion, consumer placed the vehicle in cruise control, maintaining a speed of 66 MPH. Consumer had to apply the brakes to avoid an accident. Consumer felt the brakes catch, then there was a letting go feeling. The rear of the vehicle began to fishtail from side to side. The vehicle was unresponsive to the braking efforts. Consumer tried to exit the road. The vehicle hit the rising of the median and flipped onto its roof. Consumer suffered various bodily injuries. …”
NHTSA complaint #567756, filed 2002-10Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 85,500 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 1999 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 1999 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 1999 Saturn SC1 have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1999 Saturn SC1 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Saturn SC1 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by seat belts with 4.
Has the 1999 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 1999 Saturn SC1 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,000 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 85,500 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
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.