2000 Saturn SC: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
7 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
142,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2000 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 7 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 14.3% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 14.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 14.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 14.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 1 |
| Tires:Sidewall | 1 |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 1 |
Electrical System: 2; Power Train: 1; Seat Belts: 1; Seats: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 1; Tires:Sidewall: 1; Tires:Tread/Belt: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
2001: 2; 2002: 1; 2005: 1; 2010: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10111158 · 2005-01-14 (January 14, 2005)
THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION LEAKED FLUID. *NM THE CONSUMER HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AT A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REIMBURSE THE MONEY BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE BY A SATURN DEALER. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10111158 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10325091 · 2010-04-12 (April 12, 2010)
I'M BUYING THIS CAR FROM A CAR DEALER J B BYRIDER. ON 3/26/10 I TOOK THE SATURN SC1 OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE DURING THE DAY TIME AND CAME BACK AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE NOISE I HEARD COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT A PART WAS BEING ODOR. 3/30/10 TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS COMING ACROSS MY NECK AND LOCKING, AND THE THERE WAS ONLY ONE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD SHOWING THE SPEED AND NOTHING ELSE. WAS TOLD ORDER A PART FOR THE SEAT BELT AND WOULD LOOK AT THE DASH BROAD WHEN I CAME BACK (IT WAS SAI…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10325091 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10531889 · 2013-07-25 (July 25, 2013)
DRIVER SEAT RECLINER FAILURE. SAME PROBLEM THAT AFFECTED 1994 AND 1995 SATURNS (RECALLED AS WELL). GEAR TEETH IN RECLINER MECHANISM GET WORN OUT AND NO LONGER HOLD THE SEAT BACKREST UPRIGHT. THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10531889 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10660413 · 2014-11-24 (November 24, 2014)
DRIVING AND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WAS SUDDENLY LOST, POWER STEERING LOST-HARD TO STEER. MANAGED TO PULL OVER - TURN OFF/ON IGNITION AND CAR STARTED BACKUP. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 142,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10660413 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 749085 · 2001-07-24 (July 24, 2001)
COMPLETE RUPTURE OF TIRE AT JUNCTION OF SIDEWALL (INSIDE) AND TREAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 180 DEGREES, WITH RADIATING RUPTURES IN THE SIDEWALL FROM THE WHEEL RIM TO THE TREAD RUPTURE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W27J BCD TIRESIZE: P185/65R14)
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 749085 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 762421 · 2002-05-29 (May 29, 2002)
TREAD SEPARATION FROM TIRE. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 762421 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 898502 · 2001-10-30 (October 30, 2001)
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY. AND A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF VEHICLE . CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND WAS FORCED ON THE SHOULDERS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 898502 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
00V309000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2000-10-12 (October 12, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence: FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA campaign record ↗00V310000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Reported: 2000-10-12 (October 12, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
Remedy: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V230000 · Unknown Or Other
Reported: 1999-08-23 (August 23, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN QUALITY STANDARDS.
Consequence: A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT, PARTICULARLY AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT, MAY HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V231000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
Reported: 1999-08-24 (August 24, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PIPE ATTACHMENT NUTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence: IF THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS ARE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE BRAKE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS FOR LEAKAGE, VERIFY THEY ARE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V232000 · Structure:Body:Bumpers
Reported: 1999-08-23 (August 23, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 581, "BUMPER STANDARD." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR BUMPER FASTENERS THAT MAY BE LOOSE OR MISSING.
Consequence: IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE OR MISSING, THE REAR BUMPER MAY NOT ABSORB ENERGY AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE REAR BUMPER BEAM FASTENERS ARE PRESENT AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND, IF MISSING, INSTALL NEW FASTENERS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V280000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
Reported: 1999-10-20 (October 20, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V297000 · Structure:Body
Reported: 1999-10-27 (October 27, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE LATCH MAY OPEN AND THE ARMREST OR THE CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLE COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE ARMREST LATCH.
NHTSA campaign record ↗