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1994 Saturn SC problems

The most common problem on the 1994 Saturn SC is seats. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical SC model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
50
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
3
Worst area
Seats
Fuel economy
24-28mpg

The worst 1994 Saturn SC problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Seats
    21
  • Seat belts
    11
  • Airbags
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 Saturn SC

Seat belt 5

Recalls 1

SeatsReported March 12, 1999 · 138,691 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
Risk
If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front seat recliner mechanisms.

Recall number 99V045000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1994 Saturn SC

Defect investigations

Front seat back can recline or collapseOpened February 16, 2000, closed August 19, 2000

RQ00005

Seat back failuresOpened July 31, 1998, closed March 16, 1999

In its letter dated march 5, 1999, general motors stated that it will recall 136,300 model year 1994 and 1995 saturn vehicle (all models) built between january 1994 and august 1994.during this period, saturn's seat supplier manufactured recliner assemblies which were out of design specification, allowing the front seat backs to recline or collapse inadvertently.to correct the problem, saturn dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat back recliner assemblies.see the federal safety agency's safety recall fill 99v‑045 for details.

EA98017

Cruise control failuresOpened February 24, 1995, closed May 31, 1996

This investigation documented hte functional aberations that have occurred in the performance of the subject cruise control system.most of the malfunctions involved failure of the system to properly regulate vehicle speed when engaged, failure of the system to engage, or self-disengagement of the system. These problems were investigated and steps taken by the manufacturer to remedy their occurrences.service procedures were issued for vehicles in use, and a design modification made for new vehicles.no confirmed allegations of failure of the system to disengage upon command were identified.improved quality control procedures and design modificationsin the system were undertaken to ensure a more consistent level of system performance.the details of these findings and the resulting conclusions are contained inthe subject engineering analysis closing report.a safety-related defect trend was not identified at ehis time and further use of agency resources does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

EA95003

Cruise control failureOpened November 7, 1994, closed February 24, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE94079

Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Saturn SC 3

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1994 Saturn SC fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD21-2429-3424-28

What 1994 Saturn SC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 4, 2015 · 147,000 miles · VA

The key can be removed in any position, including while running.

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · PA

1994 saturn sc. Consumer stated ignition switch was replaced due to the key being stuck inside the ignition. The vehicle also lost power while driving so customer is asking for a refund. *ss the consumer also stated the headlights opened on their own, while the vehicle was parked and the vehicle shifted out of drive gear on its own, and the RPM's were extremely high.

Filed May 21, 2004 · Seat belts · 111,000 miles · NY

While driving 30 MPH driver's seat belt would retract back and forth. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 156,000 miles · VT

The transmission went in my saturn sc1 and I lost my job due to the fact that I lived alone at the time, and in a remote area....I also have not had it fixed because the cost of a transmission for the car is more than I can afford...let alone the bill that would insue for having it installed. My co-worker that I work with now..(borrowing my aunts car, and moved to live with my mom) has a saturn sc2 1995 and his transmission went in his too....its rediculous...everyone that I know who owns a saturn sc1 or 2 or has owned one...has replaced or gotten rid of because of transmissions going. There was no warning what so ever...it just went.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Seat belts · WI

Front drivers side retractor seat belt does not move.

Filed Sep 6, 2002 · Seats · CA

Front seatback recliner is experiencing same defect as mentioned in recall 99 v 045 000. But this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.

Filed Apr 18, 2002 · Seats · GA

Consumer states that driver seat will recline while driving. Nlm

Filed Feb 2, 2002 · Seat belts · MD

Seat belt will lock in place but will not slide forward when door is opened.

Filed Jun 7, 2001 · Engine, Seat belts · GA

The drivers side seat belt is stuck in the middle of the door it started out just getting stuck occasionally and then would move all the way back now won't move at all. Talked to 4 other saturn owners and they have the same problem. Now the passenger side seatbelt has started sticking. The engine was so messed up at about 68k they replaced the engine due to poor performance backfiring and leaking oil etc. The sunroof will not latch closed anymore. I went to open it one day and then it wont close. I wanted a purple saturn since they came out and I finally got one and it has been a nightmare these are just 5 of the most recent things but I have had to get a new alternator, starter and several other minor repairs. I wish I had never ever wanted saturn. I guess it is true be careful what you wish for.

Filed Feb 8, 2001 · Engine · VA

Car burns oil every 500 miles. See webpage "saturnexposed.com" to see the many other saturn owners who have the same problem.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1994 Saturn SC before you buy

Compare the 1994 Saturn SC

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Questions about the 1994 Saturn SC

Is the 1994 Saturn SC reliable?

Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 1994 Saturn SC, 1.3 times a typical SC model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Saturn SC?

Seats, with 21 complaints. Next is seat belts (11).

How many recalls does the 1994 Saturn SC have?

1 recall, covering seats.

Was there a recall on the 1994 Saturn SC seats?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V045000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saturn SC have bad seats?

The Saturn SC model years with the most seats complaints are 1994 (21 complaints) and 1995 (14 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Saturn SC get?

Official estimates for the 1994 Saturn SC range from 24 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 29-34 highway.

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