1999 Saturn SC problems & reliability
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Saturn SC. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (5 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 29% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 17% |
| Seats | 3 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 8% |
| Power Train | 2 | 8% |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 8% |
| Structure | 2 | 8% |
| Visibility | 2 | 8% |
| Tires | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“My vehicle was moving on the freeway, when I was hit from passenger side, drivers side hit concrete divider, airbag knocked me out, after front of car hit embankment, then I woke up from the smoke, smell of fire coming from airbag.”
Air Bags · filed Jan 26, 2016
“On may 12, 2012 I tried to start my car and it wouldn't turn over. I had it towed to the local mechanic and he replaced the ignition module (part number lx386) on my 1999 saturn sc2. Then on december 5, 2013, I was driving on the grand central parkway in nyc and my car died. Luckily I was able to safely make my way…”
Electrical System · filed Apr 9, 2014
“Today I went to put my 1999 5 speed saturn sc1 into reverse. When I did, I felt a pop and was stuck in reverse. After removing the console, we found that the plastic bushing holding the gearshift rod to the cable had snapped. (luckily I was in a parking lot when this occurred). This could've been a dangerous…”
Power Train · filed Jan 18, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
12 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Saturn SC. The 10 most recent:
This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern…
98-T-18C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 10, 2023
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
17-NA-073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2023
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
19NA273 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 2, 2019
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient…
16NA260 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2016
Vehicle Recalls
Recalls · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2014
Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic…
99-08-51-007F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2014
Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic…
99-08-51-007F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2014
Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components…
PI0281D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2014
Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components…
PI0281D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2014
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
130089009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2013
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1999 Saturn SC in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1999 Saturn SC?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.