2002 Saturn SC problems & reliability
38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Saturn SC. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
5 complaints report injuries (9 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 12 | 32% |
| Air Bags | 6 | 16% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 11% |
| Steering | 3 | 8% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 8% |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 5% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 5% |
| Structure | 2 | 5% |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% |
| Engine | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 17 reported components →Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 25 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 65,000 miles (middle 50% between 37,200 and 90,000 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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.”
Air Bags · filed Mar 21, 2017
“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…”
Electrical System · filed Oct 27, 2016
“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…”
Electrical System · filed Nov 15, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
51 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Saturn SC. The 10 most recent:
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024
This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
10-08-45-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2024
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 13, 2024
This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the…
22-NA-074 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 22, 2024
This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
PI1394B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2024
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
02-08-42-001J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2024
This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
17-NA-170 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 6, 2023
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2002 Saturn SC in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Saturn SC?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 65,000 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.