This paper provides a review of the differences between high pH and near-neutral pH stress corrosion cracking of pipeline steels, influencing factors, and mechanisms. The characteristics and historical information on both forms of SCC are discussed. The prospect for research in the future is also presented. This paper provides a review of the differences between high pH and near-neutral pH stress corrosion cracking of pipeline steels, influencing factors, and mechanisms. The characteristics and historical information on both forms of SCC are discussed. The prospect for research in the future is also presented.