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Electrical system

Saturn SC Electrical problems by year

40 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Saturn SC's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
200212000
20015000
20002000
19992000
19981000
199710000
19964000
19951000
19942000
19931001
19920001
19910001

Electrical recalls

Latest SC electrical complaints

2002 Saturn SCElectrical system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10919405
1998 Saturn SCSteeringElectrical system

Car key locks up in ignition, wont turn or come out. Cable to park mechanism wont disengage. Has happened multiple times, today it took 40 minutes of jiggling steering wheel,key, brake shifter to disengage to get the car started.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10881827
2002 Saturn SCElectrical systemFire

Car has had issues with the starter over the years, requiring countless replacements before the recommended replacement dates. Recently, a starter lasted only 6 months before failing. When a mechanic looked at the starter, he said that there is probably something wrong with the ignition causing the starter to continuously run while the engine is on. This resulted in the starter completely burning up on the inside. Smoke was visible from this starter. The key also slips out of the ignition in any position,...

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including when the engine is on and car is moving. There is a recall from gm affecting saturn ignition switches and ignition cylinders, but it does not include 2002 saturns even though the problem is the same.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10790491
1997 Saturn SCElectrical system

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

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10721642
2002 Saturn SCElectrical system

I contacted gm's customer service regarding my ignition switch which is stuck on accessory and has been draining my battery. My car was a year before the recalled ignition switches in other saturn but after significant research it appeared to be similar issues that the majority of the recalls had. They referred me to a chevy dealership for a quote and said that they would determine if it would be covered. When I arrived the dealership said they had seen many of these issues but gm always refused to cover and that I...

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should call them to get a case number. After spending 45 minutes on the phone with a representative to determine if I was eligible I was then passed to another representative who told me that because the ignition switch did not turn while driving, it was my problem because my car is over 10 years old and parasitic drains were not their remit. I asked if these were in the same batch as the recalled switches because they should take responsibility for all faulty switches within that time frame and they told me to file a complaint with nhtsa. I reached out to their digital customer service reps who were able to issue me a case number and said that someone would call me within 24 hours and no one called. I just want to make sure that 2002 switches are investigated for possible recall issues and I have my case number on file in case anyone actually helps me there. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10714538
2002 Saturn SCElectrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start until after awaiting several hours later. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. Also,the key became extremely difficult to turn in the ignition switch. In addition, the key released independently from the ignition switch on numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10701089
1994 Saturn SCTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

1994 Saturn sc. Consumer stated ignition switch was replaced due to the key being stuck inside the ignition. The vehicle also lost power while driving so customer is asking for a refund. *Ss the consumer also stated the headlights opened on their own, while the vehicle was parked and the vehicle shifted out of drive gear on its own, and the rpm's were extremely high. *Jb

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10654353
2000 Saturn SCElectrical system

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

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10660413
2001 Saturn SCSteeringElectrical systemEngine & cooling

2001 Saturn sc with faulty ignition. Key binds when starting the car it also falls out of the ignition switch when driving. Key has been grinding down because of the faulty cylinder. This is a hazard and danger to anyone who drives this vehicle. I called gm and they said there is nothing they can do because it has not been formally recalled. I wanted a case opened and told them if anything happens because of this defective design I will seek restitution. The sr. Advisor was not helpful and tried to dismiss me as...

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quickly as possible. Gm is not stepping up to the plate to stand by their vehicles or their customers. Poor design, poor quality, poor support = bodily harm, more lawsuits and no more customers! *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10658524
2002 Saturn SCElectrical system

Have been having issues with the vehicle turning the ignition as it jams and at times fearful it may not turn next time I try to start it .....But today while waiting at a red light...Car running, radio on and interior dash lights on...Everything just shut down....The engine continued to run...But the rest of the car died...I was very nervous waiting for the light to change .....Wondering if it would allow me to even get home....Within in 2 minutes the electrical did come back....I only purchased my saturn in feb,...

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as used but did not start seeing these issues until the past 2 months...But have also noticed that this car model is not on any recall list with others displaying the same issues. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10633786
2002 Saturn SCElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. The contact stated that the ignition turned from the on position to the off position on its own. The failure occurred several times. An independent mechanic stated that the ignition switch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10621403
2001 Saturn SCElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sc. When the contact inserted the key into the ignition, the key would not turn to the on position properly. In order for the vehicle to start, the contact had to tamper with the key and ignition switch. The contact also stated that the key would eject from the ignition while driving at any speed. A mechanic stated that the ignition switch malfunctioned. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10619560
2001 Saturn SCElectrical systemFire

While the car was being tested in the shop, a fuse was replaced. A fire started in the electrical system. According to the dodge dealership, this is a common problem with saturns. The dodge dealership checked with a general motors who verified that it is not uncommon for saturns to catch on fire. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10619445
2002 Saturn SCSteeringElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 saturn sc. While the vehicle was parked in a lot, the contact had to make numerous attempts and exert force to unlock the steering wheel. An independent mechanic replaced the ignition module and coil spring. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 10607790
2002 Saturn SCElectrical system

The keys to the ignition switch have worn down so much that they will not work. I purchased new key blanks, went to the dealer and had them copy the keys. The dealer had to run the keys through the machine twice to cut them properly. The new keys work, but a very great deal of friction is felt when the key is inserted or removed. The key drags badly in the ignition switch lock. The ignition switch has worn out. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10605810

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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