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.
The worst 2002 Saturn SC problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical12
- Airbags6
- Engine5
- Brakes4
- Steering3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical12
- Airbags6
- Engine5
- Brakes4
- Steering3
- Body2
- Lights2
- Suspension2
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
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.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be...
2002 Saturn SC fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-25 | 32-36 | 26-29 |
What 2002 Saturn SC owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare the 2002 Saturn SC
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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.
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