Known Recalls

Model year record

1993 Saturn SC1

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 85 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 93V132000

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Component
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
352,833
Reported to NHTSA
1993-08-10
Owners notified
1993-08-06

Defect description

THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.

Safety risk

SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 93V094000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables

Component
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
14,459
Reported to NHTSA
1993-05-25
Owners notified
1993-06-12

Defect description

THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Seats675,006 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner6138,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine5—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip5—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator435 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline4—
Seat belts4—
Vehicle speed control4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper3—
Air bags2—
Electrical system2—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2—
Power train2—
Power train: automatic transmission2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2—
Structure: body: door2156,000 mi
Tires2—
Air bags: frontal1—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1—
Electrical system: wiring1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1—
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch1—
Interior lighting1—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1—
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1—
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly1—
Seat belts: front: retractor1156,000 mi
Seat belts: front: webbing1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1—
Structure: body1—
Suspension: rear1—
Unknown or other1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1—
Visibility: windshield1—
Wheels: rim1—

The 1992 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1994 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.