1999 Saturn SC
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1999 Saturn SC. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1999 Saturn SC. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
24 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Structure › Body
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.
- Electrical system › Ignition
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…
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 over to the side of the busy parkway. I was towed to my mechanic and once again I had to pay to replace the ignition module. I'm wondering why my car isn't on the recall list for the gm ignition switch as I have now had to replace this part twice in the past 2 years and I'm very worried that I currently have a faulty ignition switch in my car which could lead to a dangerous crash where my airbags won't deploy. *tr
- Power train
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…
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 situation. saturn refuses to sell the bushing by itself and will only sell it as a part of a $250 gearshift cable kit, even though the bushing IS the only broken part. The service/parts employee acknowledged that this IS a common problem, and if the bushing were made of metal and not plastic it probably wouldn't have broken. We temporarily wired the rod to the cable to get home, but do not feel safe driving the car until it IS permanently fixed. It IS a rip-off that saturn will not sell the replacement part for a reasonable price. *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
1999 saturn and I have had big problems getting the key out of the ignition. I have never had this problem with any car. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt:the contact owns a 1999 saturn SC1. The contact's vehicle was involved in was in an accident on august 5, 2005 while driving at 60 mph. upon impact, air bags did not deploy the front driver or the front passenger air bags did not deploy. there were two occupants in the vehicle and both havd…
Dt:the contact owns a 1999 saturn SC1. The contact's vehicle was involved in was in an accident on august 5, 2005 while driving at 60 mph. upon impact, air bags did not deploy the front driver or the front passenger air bags did not deploy. there were two occupants in the vehicle and both havd seat belts on. pictures and police report are available. The vehicle was totaled, and one occupant sustained injuries. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Purchased car june of 2004. car was one day old and the fuse panel had to be replaced. then oil was having to be added. called saturn and was informed saturn cars have a been know to go through oil. car seemed to be running hot added coolent to notice the coolent seemed to be thick with oil.…
Purchased car june of 2004. car was one day old and the fuse panel had to be replaced. then oil was having to be added. called saturn and was informed saturn cars have a been know to go through oil. car seemed to be running hot added coolent to notice the coolent seemed to be thick with oil. flushed system added new coolent. car ran even hotter was told oil in radiator, need to put in new radiator. did this and problem was not fixed. was then told heads were cracked. called saturn after seeing numerous people on web site with same exact problem. They informed me there was recalls on faulty engine up to 1999 model. And 2000 model. my car year was missed.
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving vehicle stalled. consumer was able to restart vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic determined that the cylinder head cracked from the engine, and needed replacement. *ak *nm
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Consumer's seat belt latch would not unlock after her son came out of car seat and got tangled in the car seatbelt. toddler became wrapped in the seatbelt, the latch would not work. the fire department removed the child by cutting the seat belt off.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicles started consuming excessive amounts of oil around march 2003. Reported to dealer that I purchased the vehicle at. I had regular oil changes.on april 18TH 2003 the dealer discovered and had to replace leaking valve seals, carboned piston rings and connecting rod bearings. In dec. 2003 the…
Vehicles started consuming excessive amounts of oil around march 2003. Reported to dealer that I purchased the vehicle at. I had regular oil changes.on april 18TH 2003 the dealer discovered and had to replace leaking valve seals, carboned piston rings and connecting rod bearings. In dec. 2003 the vehicle began mixing oil & coolant. Dealer replaced cracked cylinder head costing over $2000.00. This vehicle IS a lemon and should not have needed 2 major engine repairs. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
I called saturn to say my low coolant light came on during a trip. Saturn suggested a pressure test. "saturn states pressure tested cooling system/no external leaks found/removed cam cover and found a crack in cylinder head at CAM#5 journal, causing oil and coolant to mix together/needs new…
I called saturn to say my low coolant light came on during a trip. Saturn suggested a pressure test. "saturn states pressure tested cooling system/no external leaks found/removed cam cover and found a crack in cylinder head at CAM#5 journal, causing oil and coolant to mix together/needs new cylinder head,thermostat,water pump,flush of cooling system and oil & filter." the service invoice states "no oil change per customer request" . I was never asked if I wanted an oil change on 11/28; the fact IS I had an oil change at saturn 11/18!!!! Prior to my trip.(i also asked them to check it over well due to the upcoming trip-why wasn't this problem found then?-their response-we weren't looking for that. Ten days later it just apears!!!??? I asked them to change this invoice to note this error, this was not done. I've since taken my car to 3 three private garages, all said this shouldn't have happened. 2 said to get rid of the car. A 3RD said he'd fix it for considerably less, but said saturn should be the one taking care of this.this IS my second saturn in a row, I doubt I would ever buy another.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Sudden failure (crack) in cylinder head. *ph
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving the vehicle overheated and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. *nm the consumer received a letter from the manufacturer which stated that some vehicle equipped with 1.9 liter engines may develop a crack internal to the cylinder head. the letter also stated that…
While driving the vehicle overheated and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. *nm the consumer received a letter from the manufacturer which stated that some vehicle equipped with 1.9 liter engines may develop a crack internal to the cylinder head. the letter also stated that this special policy provided coverage for a period of 6 years/100000 miles. at approximately 45000 miles a crack was discovered. the dealer refused to repair the vehicle until the consumer authorized a $500. Diagnostic. the consumer refused. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
I took my 1999 saturn SC1 in to the dealer for a resonator replacement and wheel rotation and balance at 49,091 miles. the dealer called me to say the upper engine mount had to be replaced. last week, when we took my wife's 1996 SL1 in for engine noise, we were also told we had to replace the…
I took my 1999 saturn SC1 in to the dealer for a resonator replacement and wheel rotation and balance at 49,091 miles. the dealer called me to say the upper engine mount had to be replaced. last week, when we took my wife's 1996 SL1 in for engine noise, we were also told we had to replace the engine mount. with my 1999 SC1, it has been taken in for all regularly scheduled maintenance -- why does the engine mounts on saturns need replacing?. *jb
- Seats
The driver's seat rocked back and fourth. *jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
The driver's side seat does not hold its position. ph
- Power train › Manual transmission
On december 22, 2002, I discovered a leak from my car. I needed someone to look at the car immediately just to have an idea of how serious the leak was. at 7 am the following morning I called highwood auto which IS very close to me and someone came and towed the car to the shop. they later…
On december 22, 2002, I discovered a leak from my car. I needed someone to look at the car immediately just to have an idea of how serious the leak was. at 7 am the following morning I called highwood auto which IS very close to me and someone came and towed the car to the shop. they later called to say it was a transmission leak and I should call saturn. upon of explaining my situation to saturn of paramus they told me my warranty was expired and suggested I trade in the car for a new one. I live in an area where I need a car at all times and so I told highwood auto to investigate the leak further. they took the car apart and found that the transmission has a hole. I called saturn corporation and they told me that that was unusual and that they could assist me, but only if a saturn technician looks at the car. saturn of paramus said they would have to have the car taken to them intact. this was not possible, so I went ahead and instructed highwood auto to fix my car, as I live in an area where I need one.
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer states that the vehicle was involved in a direct frontal collision at 35 mph. Upon impact the air bags did not deployed. Resulting in minor injuries. Dealer would be notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*jb
- Structure › Body
Consumer IS concerned about the passenger side sun visor. the visor has a mirror without a cover. when positioned to block the sun, the mirror catches the sun rays and reflects to other drivers and pedestrians who could be distracted, resulting in an accident. *jg
- Visibility › Windshield
In winter front windshield and front window glasses will freeze, and will not get clear, even when using heater. dealer had been contacted, but had no resolution to problem.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was driving at approximately 65 -70 mph and fell asleep behind wheel and was rearended. At that time, it was too late for consumer to stop, and vehicle fell into ditch. Dual airbags did not deploy, which could have caused injuires. Please provide further information.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
On 8/31 I was driving on a highway at about 65 or 70 mph. I was heading straight and without any advanced notice my tires spun out from underneith me and the car spun 5 complete turns before stopping on the side of the road. I very barely missed the median and was physically ok. When I looked at my…
On 8/31 I was driving on a highway at about 65 or 70 mph. I was heading straight and without any advanced notice my tires spun out from underneith me and the car spun 5 complete turns before stopping on the side of the road. I very barely missed the median and was physically ok. When I looked at my two front tires, 1/4 of the treading had completely come away from the tire. The tire had no tread and had come off down to the wires. I was able to exit the ditch that I was in and get to a sears where I had two new michelin tires but on the front two tires. However I still have 2 of the original equiptment. Although they have not been in the recalls, this happened exactly the same way the recalled tires have blown out and could have severe, if not fatal.( dot number: tire size: 175 70r14 )
- Seats
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Seat belts
While driving, driver's seat belt slips out, and will not hold. *ak *ML
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
The rear window needs a wiper installed, that IS not currently a option. it IS impossible to see out it with even the smallest amount of rain or snow.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10233369This 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 of A/C Odor at start-up.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10190934Underbody 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 are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody 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 are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing 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 refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing 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 refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10082506This 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 temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 614008Some customers may comment about abnormal wear or a cut on the inboard edge of the driver or passenger seat back cover.
- 605959Vehicles built after and including wz150315 may exhibit a dome lamp that IS either inoperative, working intermittently, or flickers when turned on.
Every Saturn SC model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.