Check a VIN

2002 Saturn SC problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Saturn SC is electrical system, typically around 98,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical SC model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
38
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
26-29mpg

The worst 2002 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.

  • Electrical
    12
  • Airbags
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Saturn SC 51

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

See all 51 bulletins for the 2002 Saturn SC

2002 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 2002 Saturn SC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 21, 2017 · Airbags · 90,000 miles · ME · crash · 1 injury

Front end accident. Neither air bag deployed. Car was in motion, went through a rail over a embankment and down the hill into the lake.

Filed Oct 27, 2016 · Electrical · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the key fell out of the ignition switch while driving. At times, the contact had difficulty placing the key in and out of the ignition switch. The ignition switch was repaired three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Nov 15, 2015 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · HI · fire

Car has had issues with the starter over the years, requiring countless replacements before the recommended replacement dates. Recently, a starter lasted only 6 months before failing. When a mechanic looked at the starter, he said that there is probably something wrong with the ignition causing the starter to continuously run while the engine is on. This resulted in the starter completely burning up on the inside. Smoke was visible from this starter. The key also slips out of the ignition in any position, including when the engine is on and car is moving. There is a recall from gm affecting saturn ignition switches and ignition cylinders, but it does not include 2002 saturns even though the problem is the same.

Filed May 4, 2015 · Electrical · CA

I contacted gm's customer service regarding my ignition switch which is stuck on accessory and has been draining my battery. My car was a year before the recalled ignition switches in other saturn but after significant research it appeared to be similar issues that the majority of the recalls had. They referred me to a chevy dealership for a quote and said that they would determine if it would be covered. When I arrived the dealership said they had seen many of these issues but gm always refused to cover and that I should call them to get a case number. After spending 45 minutes on the phone with a representative to determine if I was eligible I was then passed to another representative who told me that because the ignition switch did not turn while driving, it was my problem because my car is over 10 years old and parasitic drains were not their remit. I asked if these were in the same batch as the recalled switches because they should take responsibility for all faulty switches within that time frame and they told me to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. I reached out to their digital customer service reps who were able to issue me a case number and said that someone would call me within 24 hours and no one called. I just want to make sure that 2002 switches are investigated for possible recall issues and I have my case number on file in case anyone actually helps me there.

Filed Mar 23, 2015 · Electrical · 134,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start until after awaiting several hours later. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. Also,the key became extremely difficult to turn in the ignition switch. In addition, the key released independently from the ignition switch on numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Airbags · 150,000 miles · CA

Passenger airbag deployed while driving through a parking lot at approx. 15 MPH. Car went over a speedbump and airbag spontaneously deployed. No passenger was in the seat at the time. Vehicle ignition "locks" after key is removed, sometimes making it very difficult to turn key when starting car again. Key can also be remived while car is in motion without turning off the ignition.

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Electrical · 141,000 miles · MT

Have been having issues with the vehicle turning the ignition as it jams and at times fearful it may not turn next time I try to start it .....but today while waiting at a red light...car running, radio on and interior dash lights on...everything just shut down....the engine continued to run...but the rest of the car died...I was very nervous waiting for the light to change .....wondering if it would allow me to even get home....within in 2 minutes the electrical did come back....I only purchased my saturn in feb, as used but did not start seeing these issues until the past 2 months...but have also noticed that this car model is not on any recall list with others displaying the same issues.

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the ignition turned from the on position to the off position on its own. The failure occurred several times. An independent mechanic stated that the ignition switch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 5,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. While the vehicle was parked in a lot, the contact had to make numerous attempts and exert force to unlock the steering wheel. An independent mechanic replaced the ignition module and coil spring. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · GA

The keys to the ignition switch have worn down so much that they will not work. I purchased new key blanks, went to the dealer and had them copy the keys. The dealer had to run the keys through the machine twice to cut them properly. The new keys work, but a very great deal of friction is felt when the key is inserted or removed. The key drags badly in the ignition switch lock. The ignition switch has worn out.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Saturn SC before you buy

Compare the 2002 Saturn SC

Other model years

199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002

Questions about the 2002 Saturn SC

Is the 2002 Saturn SC reliable?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2002 Saturn SC, close to a typical SC model year.

What is the 2002 Saturn SC year score?

The 2002 Saturn SC scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saturn SC: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Saturn SC?

Electrical system, with 12 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles. Next is airbags (6).

How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn SC have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Saturn SC get?

Official estimates for the 2002 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.

Share your experience with the 2002 Saturn SC

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2002 Saturn SC?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN