NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 33 owner complaints for the 1997 Saturn SC. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and seat belts (6). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF THE OWNER'S HANDBOOK TITLED "HORIZONTAL AIM" DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCT AN OWNER HOW TO ADJUST THE HEADLAMP HORIZONTAL AIM. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT IS PULLED OUT MUCH FASTER THAN NORMAL, A NUMBER OF TIME, THE LOCK-UP FEATURE OF THE RETRACTOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS HAVE LESS LOCK PAWL ENGAGEMENT ON THE INBOARD FORE/AFT ADJUSTER THAN SPECIFIED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THERE WERE NUMEROUS KEYS ON THE KEY RING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. *TT *TR”
“Right front passenger seat belt male mechanism is locked up and will not extend to lock in female mechanism. Unusable.”
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE BECAME SQUARELY. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD, SPILLING OIL ALL OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED SMOKE AND GOT OIL ALL OVER THE TIRES. IT BLEW OUT 4 QUARTS OF OIL VERY RAPIDLY, CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO SWIRL ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH OIL SMOKE, MAKING VISIBILITY VERY DANGEROUS. THERE WAS A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD THAT WENT ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. IT ONLY EFFECTED THE OIL. THIS DEFECT WAS NEXT TO THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. THE CASTING DID NOT LOOK LIKE VERY GOOD QUALITY. IT WAS NOT REINFORCED AS IT SHOULD BE. *AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC (FFS) (MPFI) · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| SC Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC (FFS) (MPFI) · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| SC Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC (FFS) (MPFI) · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| SC Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC (FFS) (MPFI) · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), seat belts (6), engine and engine cooling (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Saturn SC at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).