Research · Subcompact Cars
2002 Saturn SCRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints for the 2002 Saturn SC. Most complaints involve electrical system (12) and air bags (6). The EPA rates it 26–29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
26–29mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
38
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Saturn SC as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
38 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2001 – Mar 2017
- Electrical system12
- Air bags6
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Steering3
- Structure2
- Exterior lighting2
- Suspension2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Service brakes1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
12 reports1 fire
“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 WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Air bags
6 reports5 crashes
“PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AT APPROX. 15 MPH. CAR WENT OVER A SPEEDBUMP AND AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. NO PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT AT THE TIME. VEHICLE IGNITION "LOCKS" AFTER KEY IS REMOVED, SOMETIMES MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN KEY WHEN STARTING CAR AGAIN. KEY CAN ALSO BE REMIVED WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. *TR”
Engine and engine cooling
4 reports1 fire
“2002 SATURN SC1 LOST ENGINE--OIL IN COOLANT AT 80,000 MILES. THE MECHANIC THAT DISASSEMBLED THE ENGINE STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT JOURNALS WERE WORN SO BAD THAT THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RE-BUILT. REPLACED ENGINE 5 MONTHS AGO, LAST WEEK, AUTO TRANSMISSION STOPPED ENGAGING REVERSE GEAR. DISCUSSED WITH LOCAL SATURN DEALER WHO OFFERED NO HELP. THIS IS MY DAUGHTER'S CAR. MY CAR--2002 SATURN SC2 HAD TO HAVE AN ENGINE OVERHAUL AT 46,000 MILES DUE TO BURNED VALVES IN #2 CYLINDER. EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED REPAIRS. OIL CONSUMPTION PRIOR TO OVERHAUL WAS EXCESSIVE (QT EVERY 1000 MILES--DEALER SAID NORMAL) MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS AN INTERMITTENT EXTREMELY ROUGH DOWNSHIFT, WHICH WAS REPORTED TO SATURN DEALERS 4 TIMES WHILE IN WARRANTY. EACH TIME, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OUR FAMILY BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, AND RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED. AT THIS TIME, I FEEL THAT SATURN HAS SOME WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS WITH BOTH THE SINGLE CAM AND TWIN CAM ENGINES, AS WELL AS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
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 Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,050 | 306 |
| SC Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,200 | 329 |
| SC Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,300 | 342 |
| SC Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,300 | 342 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Saturn SC as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2002 SC questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn SC have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2002 Saturn SC problems?
Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (12), air bags (6), engine and engine cooling (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Saturn SC get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Saturn SC at 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026