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Research · Subcompact Cars

2000 Saturn SCRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2000 Saturn SC. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and tires (2). The EPA rates it 26–29 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
26–29mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Oct 2000
Owner complaints
7
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: park

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.

Power trainReported Oct 12, 2000NHTSA 00V310000

Fuel system

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Oct 12, 2000NHTSA 00V309000

Structure: body

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

StructureReported Oct 27, 1999NHTSA 99V297000
See all 7 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2001 – Nov 2014
  1. Electrical system2
  2. Tires2
  3. Seats1
  4. Seat belts1
  5. Power train1
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each SC model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199626
199733
199813
199924
20007
200121
200238
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

2 reports
“DRIVING AND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WAS SUDDENLY LOST, POWER STEERING LOST-HARD TO STEER. MANAGED TO PULL OVER - TURN OFF/ON IGNITION AND CAR STARTED BACKUP. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2014Electrical systemODI 10660413

Tires

2 reports
“TREAD SEPARATION FROM TIRE. *AK”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2002TiresODI 762421

Seats

1 report1 crash
“DRIVER SEAT RECLINER FAILURE. SAME PROBLEM THAT AFFECTED 1994 AND 1995 SATURNS (RECALLED AS WELL). GEAR TEETH IN RECLINER MECHANISM GET WORN OUT AND NO LONGER HOLD THE SEAT BACKREST UPRIGHT. THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2013SeatsCrash reportedODI 10531889
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
1.9L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
SC
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive
253629$2,200306
SC
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive
233327$2,400329
SC
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive
233427$2,400329
SC
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive
223226$2,450342
  • SC
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC
    25 city · 36 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • SC
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • SC
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC
    23 city · 34 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • SC
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC
    22 city · 32 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Saturn SC as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2000 SC questions

How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn SC have?

7 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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.

What are the most common 2000 Saturn SC problems?

Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), tires (2), seats (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2000 Saturn SC get?

The EPA rates the 2000 Saturn SC at 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026