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1999 Saturn SC problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Saturn SC is engine and cooling, typically around 58,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical SC model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
24
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
12
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26-29mpg

The worst 1999 Saturn SC problems

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Seats
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Electrical
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Seats
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported October 20, 1999 · 265,698 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 99V280000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1999 Saturn SC

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Saturn SC 12

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

See all 12 bulletins for the 1999 Saturn SC

1999 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‑cylFWD22-2532-3626-29

What 1999 Saturn SC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 26, 2016 · Airbags, Body · 115,000 miles · CA · crash · fire · 1 injury

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.

Filed Apr 9, 2014 · Electrical · 79,446 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jan 18, 2010 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Jul 21, 2008 · Electrical · 89,264 miles · AR

1999 saturn and I have had big problems getting the key out of the ignition. I have never had this problem with any car.

Filed Aug 11, 2005 · Airbags · IL · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Engine · 720,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Engine · CT

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

Filed Aug 5, 2004 · Seat belts · 73,000 miles · OK

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.

Filed May 17, 2004 · Engine · 53,314 miles · WI

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.

Filed Apr 12, 2004 · Engine · 58,000 miles · NY

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.

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Questions about the 1999 Saturn SC

Is the 1999 Saturn SC reliable?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 1999 Saturn SC, fewer than a typical SC model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Saturn SC?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints, typically around 58,000 miles. Next is airbags (4).

How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn SC have?

1 recall, covering seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Saturn SC get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Saturn SC range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-25 city and 32-36 highway.

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