Saturn SW Problems by Year
NHTSA has 151 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls on file for the Saturn SW, across 7 model years (1995–2001). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (36). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Saturn SW years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SW year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Saturn SW problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 26 | 6 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 21 | 6 | 2 |
| Electrical System | 19 | 6 | 0 |
| Power Train | 18 | 6 | 2 |
| Seats | 13 | 5 | 6 |
| Air Bags | 11 | 5 | 9 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| Suspension | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Saturn SW model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 SW | 6 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2000 SW | 15 | 7 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1999 SW | 16 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1998 SW | 27 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
| 1997 SW | 31 | 0 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 1996 SW | 20 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1995 SW | 36 | 2 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Saturn: all Saturn models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn SW years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (36) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SW year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Saturn SW?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 26 complaints across 6 model years.
How many recalls does the Saturn SW have?
9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.