1993 Saturn Sc1 problems
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Common 1993 Saturn Sc1 problems
The Saturn SC1, produced in 1993, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Failed Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and/or Connector: This is the most common issue with the Saturn SC1. The sensor and/or connector are made of plastic, which has proven to be a significant failure point. When the sensor fails, it can cause various problems, including hard starting, rough idle, temperature gauge malfunction, poor performance, stumbling, and poor fuel economy. The sensor may also cause coolant to leak through it, damaging the connector. If there are signs of corrosion on the connector, it needs to be replaced.
- Fine Wire Electrode Spark Plugs: The Saturn SC1 has an early version of a distributorless ignition system, which is particular about the spark plugs used. Fine wire electrode spark plugs can cause problems, usually resulting in a p0300 code and symptoms of a car that needs new plugs. The easiest solution is to use the OE spark plugs, which are inexpensive and reliable.
- Throttle Position Sensor Failure: The throttle position sensor (TPS) in the Saturn SC1 has a higher than normal failure rate. When it fails, the car may have a high idle, typically around 1600 rpm. If shutting off and restarting the car causes the idle to drop back down, and the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECTS) is functioning correctly, it's likely the TPS that's causing the problem. The aftermarket replacement TPS sensors have a quality problem, so it's best to find a low-mileage junkyard replacement or order the OE part.
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: Although not as common as the other issues, crankshaft position sensor failure can still occur. The sensor usually fails when the engine is hot, causing the car to suddenly die and not restart until it cools. The aftermarket replacements seem to work, but the issue can still arise.
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: In third-generation (00-02) SOHC (Sx1) cars, the intake manifold gasket may leak, causing sporadic or consistently high idle, p0300, p0301, or p0302 codes. Spraying carb cleaner around the intake, specifically the #1 runner, can verify the problem. This issue is caused by a problem at the factory.
- Coolant Stem Running into the Intake Manifold: In 00-02 DOHC cars, there may be a coolant leak around where the coolant hose runs into the manifold near cylinder #4. A product specifically designed to fix this problem is available.
- Broken Coil Springs: In third-generation (00-02) cars, the coil springs may break. If doing struts, it's recommended to replace the springs with OE junkyard replacements from a gen-1 or gen-2 car.
- F6 (gen 1), F5 (gen 2), F2 (gen 3) IPJB Fuse Block Segment Overheating: This issue is caused mainly by overdrawing from the 12v socket or high power aftermarket accessories drawing from the same circuit. The radio, chime module, dome light, 12v socket, and fuel pump are on this circuit. If the fuse melts, the fuel pump may stop working, requiring the IPJB to be re-sprung or replaced entirely.
- Oil Leaks: Some Saturn SC1s with more than 75,000 miles may develop oil leaks, particularly from the oil pan bolts or gasket or the rear main seal. These leaks can be costly to repair, especially if the car is still under warranty.
These are some of the most common problems with the Saturn SC1 based on complaints from owners. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or catch these issues early, potentially saving car owners time and money.
1993 Saturn Sc1 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sc1 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seats problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Saturn Sc1 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Saturn Sc1
The NHTSA has received 78 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Saturn Sc1. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Saturn Sc1 vehicles.
2011-05-23
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-20
- VIN: 1G8ZH1572PZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 1993 SATURN SC2 FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING SEAT BACK TO RECLINE SUDDENLY AND ALMOST INJURING PASSENGER IN THE CAR. SEAT WILL NO LONGER STAY FORWARD WHICH RESULTS IN SEAT GOING BACK A SOON AS YOU PRESS GAS PEDAL. *TR
2010-02-10
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-02-03
- VIN: 1G8ZG157XPZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING SEAT BACK TO RECLINE SUDDENLY AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DISASSEMBLY OF THE SEAT AND INSPECTION OF THE RECLINER MECHANISM REVEALED A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH MAKES SUDDEN FAILURE OF THIS MECHANISM HIGHLY LIKELY. FOR THE RECLINER TO HOLD THE SEAT BACK IN POSITION, TWO INTERNAL OPERATING LEVERS MUST REMAIN ALIGNED IN THE SAME PLANE. THESE ARE HELD IN ALIGNMENT BY A VERY THIN METAL PLATE (ABOUT 1MM THICK). THIS PLATE WAS BENT CAUSING THE INTERNAL OPERATING LEVERS TO MISALIGN AND THE SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE. DUE TO THE THINNESS AND LACK OF STRENGTH OF THE ALIGNMENT PLATE, THIS FAILURE IS EXTREMELY LIKELY. YOUR DATABASE SHOWS AT LEAST TWO OTHER SIMILAR FAILURES IN 1993 SATURNS. ALSO NOTE NHTSA ORDERED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 1994 SATURNS. THE FAILED SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY NHTSA PERSONNEL. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE, SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER 1993 SATURNS. *TR
2005-01-11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH1574PZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE LIGHTS WENT DIM AND SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND THE WIRE THAT CONNECTED TO THE ALTERNATOR MELTED. *AK
2004-09-30
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-30
- VIN: 1G8ZH1575PZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT MULTIPLE FAILURES. THE TRUNK FAILED TO CLOSE ON ITS OWN. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUNK WOULD OPEN AND WOULD NOT CLOSE, AND WILL NOT LOCK. ALSO, CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKES GRABBED SLOWLY AND CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
2004-08-28
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DUE TO PLASTIC DOOR SKIN (OUTER PANELING ) OPENING THE DOOR IN A LOW SPEED CAR ACCIDENT IN ADDITION TO PASSIVE SEAT BELT FALURE (INTERMITTENTLY WORKED)I WAS EJECTED FROM CAR AND LEFT PARALYZED. AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING WAS REJECTED BY SATURN DUE TO COST LEAVING SAFETY OUT OF CONCERN. *JB
2004-05-11
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN REAR ENDED BY VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROX. 25 MPH. SEAT BACK COLLAPSED ON DRIVER'S SIDE TO 45 DEGREE ANGLE.BODY SHOP UNABLE TO REPAIR TO ORIGINAL CONDITION WITHOUT REPLACEMENT.
2004-02-19
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8281574PZ
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HAZARD LIGHTS STOPPED FLASHING WITHOUT ANY WARNING. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *PH THE TURN SIGNALS WERE ALSO INOPERATIVE. *JB
2003-11-05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
- VIN: 1G8ZH1577PZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE BATTERY CABLE FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY YEAR. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK THE SATURN DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE BATTERY CABLE. RECALL# 93V094000. *SCC *JB
2003-11-05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-08-05
- VIN: 1G8ZH1577PZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GENERATOR FAILED PREMATURELY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. RECALL# 93V132000 *SCC THE CONSUMER STATED THE ALTERNATOR FAILED THREE TIMES. *JB
2003-02-24
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SEAT BACK DID NOT STAY UP. *JB
2002-11-12
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-12
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THIS IS THIRD TIME HAS CHANGE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISION . DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. AND PROBLEM IS REOCUURING. MR
2002-05-29
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-05
- VIN: 1G8ZH1572PZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHETHER WE ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SEAT BELT FAILURE. BECAUSE OF CONSTRUCTION, THEY HAVE STOPPED RUNNING ACROSS THE TOP OF THE DOOR, AND THEY ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE.*AK
2002-01-03
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-15
- VIN: 1G8ZH1575PZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE, FRAME OF SEAT IS STICKING OUT, UPPER PART OF SEAT IS FLOPPING BACK AND FORTH. *JG *AK
2001-09-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: 1G8ZG1571PZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR MOUNTING POINT ON ENGINE BLOCK BROKE, RELEASING ALTERNATOR. *AK
2001-07-05
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZG1574PZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD WHILE GETTING INTO VEHICLE, DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT BACK ADJUSTER MECHANISM AND LESS THAN ONE WEEK LATER, THE SEAT COLLAPSED AGAIN, CONSUMER RETURNED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SOME EARLY MODELS HAD SEAT PROBLEMS, AND THE DEALER ADJUSTED OR BENT THE SEAT TO A MORE UPRIGHT POSITION, SOON AFTERWARDS, THE SEAT COLLAPSED AGAIN.*JB
2001-04-25
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- VIN: 1G8ZH1573PZ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER IS TAKING IT TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC ON APRIL 26TH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
2001-03-19
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-20
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE EXITING THE TURNPIKE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND RIM CAME OFF DAMAGING THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
2001-03-16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES WOULD BE ENTERING VEHICLE THROUGH FLOORBOARD. WOULD HAVE STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE TO LEFT KNEE. DOORS WERE EXCESSIVELY HEAVY TO OPEN OR CLOSE. DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO BE OPERATED PROPERLY. PANEL LIGHTS WOULD COME ON OR GO OFF BY THEMSELVES. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT. *AK
2000-12-18
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 5-10 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. DRIVER'S SEATBACK FELL INTO A CHILD BOOSTER SEAT WHICH WAS PLACED BEHIND ON DRIVER'S SIDE. SEAT FELL ON TOP OF CHILD'S LEG AND BROKE LEG. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
2000-10-02
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-15
- VIN: 1G8ZG1575PZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEATBACK MOVED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH. DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO HELP CONSUMER. DEALER SAID NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH SIDES OF THE SEAT RECLINER. *AK
2000-09-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-28
- VIN: 1G8ZG1578PZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAILED PREVIOUSLY, PAID $1600 TO SATURN IN 98 AND PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. 1-CYL WAS REPLACED WITH THIS WORK IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL OTHER THINGS. ENGINE PRACTICALLY REBUILT. EXISTED PRIOR TO THIS AROUND 1995-1997 AND WAS REPORTED AND TAKEN TO SATURN DEALERS WHO DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF BRINGING IN THE VEHICLE. OIL LOSS WHICH MEANS IT'S BURNING UP SOMEPLACE BECAUSE IT'S NOT DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC DONE AND ALL THAT'S SAID IS THAT THERE IS AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE RUNS VERY ROUGH AND IS NOT RELIABLE.
2000-08-09
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G82G1576PZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
2000-07-17
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-09
- VIN: 1G8ZG1571PZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING SEAT BACK TO RECLINE SUDDENLY AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DISASSEMBLY OF THE SEAT AND INSPECTION OF THE RECLINER MECHANISM REVEALED A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH MAKES SUDDEN FAILURE OF THIS MECHANISM HIGHLY LIKELY. FOR THE RECLINER TO HOLD THE SEAT BACK IN POSITION, TWO INTERNAL OPERATING LEVERS MUST REMAIN ALIGNED IN THE SAME PLANE. THESE ARE HELD IN ALIGNMENT BY A VERY THIN METAL PLATE (< 1MM THICK). THIS PLATE WAS BENT CAUSING THE INTERNAL OPERATING LEVERS TO MISALIGN AND THE SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE. DUE TO THE THINNESS AND LACK OF STRENGTH OF THE ALIGNMENT PLATE, THIS FAILURE IS EXTREMELY LIKELY. YOUR DATABASE SHOWS AT LEAST TWO OTHER SIMILAR FAILURES IN 1993 SATURNS. ALSO NOTE NHTSA ORDERED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 1994 SATURNS. THE FAILED SEAT BACK RECLINER MECHANISM IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY NHTSA PERSONNEL. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. *AK
2000-03-13
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZG1570PZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT GRADUALLY STOPPED MOVING IN EITHER DIRECTION. NLM
2000-02-29
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-05
- VIN: 1G8ZG1570PZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I AM STILL CONTENT WITH MY 1993 SATURN BUT DISAPPOINTED THAT A PART THAT SHOULD HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER FAILED IN OCTOBER, 1999. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MAINTAINING THE LOW MILEAGE ON MY CARE, BUT WHEN THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER FROZE AT 30,555 MILES, ALL CREDIBILITY AND REMAINING MARKET VALUE DECEASED BECAUSE MY MILEAGE IS STUCK. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A "CLUSTER" AT THE COST OF $525.15. AN ODOMETER SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 30,555 MILES, BUT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 1998. *AK
1993 Saturn Sc1 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 Saturn Sc1.
1993-08-10
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
- Consequence: SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
1993-05-25
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Saturn Sc1 problems:
Saturn SC1 Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/saturn/sc1
Top Saturn SC1 Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue · Stalling/Charge Light Illumination Due to Failed Alternator · Front Struts May Wear at 75,000 ...
Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t26257_ds41828
Feb 1, 2007 ... The main problem is oil consumption, they all do it and sometimes it's severe. The single cam engine have issues with head cracking but it's ...
Q&A: 1993 Saturn SL - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/67nmb-saturn-sl-series-1993-saturn-sl-doors.html
Feb 7, 2012 ... I have a 1993 Saturn SL 1 4 doors. It has code 26 Quad Driver Module. It turns off by itself, it does not show how much - Answered by a ...
1993 Saturn SC1 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/saturn/sc1/1993
Get 1993 Saturn SC1 repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Saturn mechanics near you.
Who has a Saturn w/more than 75K on it? Does it leak oil ...
https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/who-has-a-saturn-w-more-than-75k-on-it-does-it-leak-oil.717063/
According to the saturn dealership, it's a common problem with that range of years. ... I've got a 1993 Saturn SL2 with almost 170,000 miles on it ...
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