1994 Saturn Sc1 problems

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1994 Saturn Sc1

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Common 1994 Saturn Sc1 problems

The Saturn SC1 1994 is known for several common problems, which are often discussed by its owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is the frequent replacement of brakes, with some owners having to replace both front and rear brakes twice, each time at around 50,000 miles.

Another common problem with the Saturn SC1 1994 is the tearing of the front seat on the driver's side. This issue is often found on the upright edge on the window side of the seat.

The engine of the Saturn SC1 1994 is also prone to certain problems. For instance, the engine coolant temperature sensor and/or connector may fail, causing hard starting, rough idle, temperature gauge malfunction, poor performance, and stumbling, among other issues.

Another engine-related problem is the failure of the throttle position sensor, which can cause a high idle, typically around 1600 rpm or higher. If shutting off the car and restarting it causes the idle to drop back down, and the engine coolant temperature sensor is functioning properly, it is likely that the throttle position sensor has failed.

The Saturn SC1 1994 is also known for its fuel filter, which is located along the driver side front fender inside the car. Replacing the fuel filter can take around 30 minutes and is a relatively simple task that can help keep problems minimal.

The motor mounts and transmission mounts in the Saturn SC1 1994 can wear out around 150,000 miles, so it is recommended to replace them to keep problems minimal.

The valve cover gasket is the only gasket that is known to blow on the Saturn SC1 1994, and replacing it can help keep the car running smoothly.

Overall, the Saturn SC1 1994 is known for several common problems, including frequent brake replacement, alternator failure, front seat tearing, head gasket failure, engine coolant temperature sensor and/or connector failure, throttle position sensor failure, fuel filter replacement, motor mount and transmission mount wear, idle pulley bearing failure, and valve cover gasket failure. Keeping up with regular maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups, can help keep these problems to a minimum and keep the car running smoothly for many years.

1994 Saturn Sc1 engine

How long is the life expectancy of a Saturn car?

Best Answer

Actually you can get up 400,000 miles out of that car if you take care of it & change the fluids regularly just like any car proper maintenance see & what happens good luck !

Why wont my Saturn SL1 turn over?

The most common reasons a Saturn SL1 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

How expensive is it to maintain a Saturn?

The annual maintenance cost of a Saturn is $553.

Are Saturns hard to maintain?

The engine system is well designed, and most Saturns don't have engine trouble for a lot longer than their competitors. They don't tend to have oil leaks, and even the transmission system often needs less maintenance than average. Saturn clutches are long-lasting.

1994 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:

  • Seats problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Saturn Sc1 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1994 Saturn Sc1

The NHTSA has received 90 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Saturn Sc1. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Saturn Sc1 vehicles.

2007-09-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-09-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZHZS76RZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 1994 SATURN SC2 WITH RPM SURGING, TRANSMISSION REPAIR. CUSTOMER STATES THAT WHEN THE RPM'S SURGED THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. CUSTOMER ALSO STATES THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS LOOSE, WHICH MADE ALL MOUNTS AND BRACKETS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADIATOR, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY FIRST GEAR WERE ALL REPLACED. *JB
2005-09-04

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-08-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZG157XRZ
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN 1994 SATURN SC2 WHEN RIGHT REAR WHEEL SNAPPED OFF. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. DAUGHTER WAS AIR LIFTED TO UNITED METHODIST HOSPITAL DES MOINES IA. WITH BRAIN CONCUSSION, FACIAL CUTS WHICH REQUIRED PLASTIC SURGERY THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT, PARTLY COLLAPSED LUNG, INJURED SPLEEN, BROKEN LEG. WILL REQUIRE MORE PLASTIC SURGERY. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THE CAR. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. WHEEL DEFINITELY POSSIBLE FAILURE WITH THE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT. *JB
2005-05-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-04-29
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1574RZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE SHOULDER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS FAILED. IT NO LONGER MOVES FOWARD TO ALLOW EASY ACCESS INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS RESULTS IN PASSENGER HAVING TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE SHOULD BELT AND REMEMBER TO RE-ENGAGE IT FOR SAFETY. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN A BASIC SAFETY SYSTEM FAILS. I WOULD LIKE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR AT NO CHARGE.
2004-05-26

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-05-26
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: I FEEL THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION, WHICH SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE ANY ONE DIES. THE SPRING THAT RETURNS THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO THE "SHUT" POSITION BREAKS. THEN HANDLE DOES NOT RETURN TO ITS' CLOSED POSITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DOOR WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT LOCK. ALTERNATIVELY, IF THE DOOR IS LOCKED AND THE OUTSIDE HANDLE IS VIBRATED OR LIFTED, THE DOOR CANNOT BE UNLOCKED. IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO BE TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR, WHICH COULD BE FATAL IN AN ACCIDENT, FIRE OR CRASH. *NM
2003-11-18

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-11-15
  • VIN: 1G8ZH1572RZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: 1994 SC2 SATURN. THE SEAT BELTS HAVE TWO PARTS, AND THE UPPER PART MOVES WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR. THE LAP BELT IS SEPARATE AND YOU LATCH THIS MANUALLY. THE PROBLEM IS THE UPPER PART HAS STOPPED WORKING IT WILL NOT MOVE. *LA
2003-06-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-02-20
  • VIN: 2B8ZHL1575R
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL RETRACT AND TIGHTEN SEVERELY. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE DRIVER BEING TRAPPED IN THE SEAT, AND SUSTAINING BRUISES.*AK
2003-06-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2B8ZHL1575R
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
2002-07-15

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-02
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: RECLINER MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MECHANISM DOES NOT HOLD IN PLACE, AND WHEN THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING, SEAT WILL FALL BACK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
2002-06-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-21
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1577RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY RECLINE BY ITSELF WHILE DRVING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE SEAT GEAR TEETH ARE WORN EXCESSIVELY. *JG
2002-01-07

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1570RZ
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TREAD WAS GOOD BUT CAME OFF TIRE. RIPPED MY FRONT FENDER AND PART OF MY FRONT BUMPER. *AK (TIRESIZE: P195/60R15)
2001-10-30

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
  • VIN: 1G822G15557
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHEN CONSUMER TRAVELING AT A SUDDEN STOP SEATBELT OPENS UP. *AK
2001-10-29

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1578RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HAS A DEFECT, WHEN DRIVER BARELY LEANS OR PRESSES IT, THE SEATS RECLINED BACKWARDS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.*AK *SLC
2001-09-04

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-25
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1576RZ
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: BRIDGESTONE, POTENZA, DOT EMCBCHJ208, P195/60R15. REPLACEMENT TIRES ON SATURN, SL, 1994, WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SOUND, AND MANAGED TO GET VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF.*AK (BRIDGESTONE TIRES.) CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON TIRE, THE TREAD CAME OFF TEARING A HOLE IN THE FRONT LEFT FENDER.*JB
2001-08-25

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1579RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: TRACK WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT IN 1999. SAME DEFECT OCCURRED AGAIN IN 2001- I WAS MADE TO PAY FOR IT SATURN CITING THAT A 12 MONTH WARRANTY ON THIS RECALL HAD EXPIRED. *AK
2001-04-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZH1571RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: WHEN PUTTING WAIT ON SEATBACK IT WILL UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINE. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY. CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL ON 99 V 045 000. DEALER SAID THIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
2001-02-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-02-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: FILL IN
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS PULLING INTO A GATED ENTRANCE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MPH WHEN STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE WHICH CAUSED A FIRE AND DESTROYED MOST OF COMPONENTS WITHIN COLUMN. INSURANCE COMPANY (STANLEY INSURANCE) WAS SENDING AN ADJUSTER TO EXAMINE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
2001-02-10

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MECHANISM FAILS TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED AS DESIGNED. *MJS
2001-01-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1576RZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE THREW A ROD. IT DESTROYED THE ENGINE AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. ENGINE FAILURE WAS INSTANTANEOUS, ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, GOING AT REGULAR SPEED OF OTHER VEHICLES.*AK
2000-12-05

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-02-08
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1574RZ
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY SATURN IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON, OH WHEN WHEEL HUB/AXLE BROKE, CAUSING LEFT REAR WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE TO SPIN INTO A STREET SIGN. IT WAS A COLD CLOUDY DAY, BUT IT WAS LIGHT, AND THERE WAS NO MOISTURE. THE ROAD WAS BUMPY AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, BUT CERTAINLY NOT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A WHEEL BREAKING OFF. THIS INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO SATURN, WHO BROUGHT ENGINEERS HERE TO HASTILY DETERMINE (WITHOUT EVEN SPEAKING WITH ME) THAT I DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE CURB, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BREAK OFF (WHICH COULDN'T BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH). *AK
2000-09-25

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: WHEN HIT FROM REAR IN A LOW IMPACT CRASH SEAT TRACKS AND ANCHOR RECLINEING MECHANISM FAILED, CAUSING SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
2000-09-25

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-29
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1573RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 1994 SATURN SC-2 WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT APPROX 40 MPH WHILE SATURN WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINERS FAILED TO SECURE OCCUPANTS. SEATS RECLINED TO THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION UPON IMPACT. I WAS TOLD BY SATURN OF CLEARWATER THAT THE RECLINING MECHANISMS FAILED. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE CAR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE FAILED SEAT RECLINER RECALL.*AK
2000-09-25

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-29
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1573RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 1994 SATURN SC-2 WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT APPROX 40 MPH WHILE SATURN WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT RECLINERS FAILED TO SECURE OCCUPANTS. SEATS RECLINED TO THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION UPON IMPACT. I WAS TOLD BY SATURN OF CLEARWATER THAT THE RECLINING MECHANISMS FAILED. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE CAR STATING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE FAILED SEAT RECLINER RECALL.*AK
2000-09-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-04
  • VIN: 1G8ZG1570RZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY
2000-08-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-20
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSIONS DOES NOT GO INT0 REVERSE WHEN ENGAGED. CAR STALL FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN GIVES A HARD LUNGE FORWARD WHEN FINALLY ENGAGED
2000-08-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-09
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE IT BEGAN TO STALL WHEN ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED TO MOVE VEHICLE BACKWARDS. AFTER VEHICLE STALLED, IT WOULD JUMP FORWARD ON ITS ON IMPACT, AND THEN REVERSE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, AND HELD FOR A WEEK. BUT PROBLEM HAS STARTED TO OCCUR. *AK

1994 Saturn Sc1 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 Saturn Sc1.

1999-03-12
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.
  • Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Saturn Sc1 problems:

What are some problems that occur with this car? (Saturn S-Series ...
What are some problems that occur with this car? (Saturn S-Series ...
https://www.cargurus.ca/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 ...

Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
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 ...

1994 Saturn SL1 reliability? - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
1994 Saturn SL1 reliability? - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1994-saturn-sl1-reliability/22618

Nov 27, 2008 ... You can expect any car today to make it to 250,000 miles IF it has received proper maintenance and if it has not been damaged, and if you have a ...

Who has a Saturn w/more than 75K on it? Does it leak oil ...
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/

My 94 Saturn SL2 has just over 90,000 miles on it. ... According to the saturn dealership, it's a common problem with that range of years.

Common 2002 Saturn SC2 Problems - Q&A on Engine, SC1 vs SC2 ...
Common 2002 Saturn SC2 Problems - Q&A on Engine, SC1 vs SC2 ...
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/7gznw-saturn-sc-series-hi-we-started-having-problem.html

Jan 9, 2013 ... We started having a problem with our 1997 SC2 Saturn with 1.9L DOHC engine. About 4 weeks ago every so often when we - Answered by a ...

Other years of Saturn Sc1

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Sc1 1995
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