1993 Saturn SW: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“A known fault in the automatic transmition valve assembly of my 1993 saturn sw1 is not covered by the dealership, but is admitted by the manufactuer and can be fixed at my expence with no reembursment offered.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2004
“Driver's seat back won't "hold" position. Falls back under weight. Problem continuing for years. I informed dealer who simply told me I would have to pay hundreds of dollars to replace defective seat. I no longer drive this car any significant distance because of this. This is so dangerous that I do not feel I can, in good conscience, sell this car to someone else.*jb”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2003
“Shoulder belt is not working properly, causing a hard plastic piece to stick. On consumer in back and top of head. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving in cold weather brakes will malfunction, and will not work as during dry/warmer weather, could step on brakes and operate as should be.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2000
“Motor belts are failing to operate; dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed that part was not covered under a recall, and any repairs would be at consumer's cost. \ feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2000
“Bracket under the passenger's side was broke and rusted, and was still holding by a plate. The bracket holds the anti-lock brake electrical wire away from other wheel assembly to prevent chafing and failure of the wire. The rivet had braoken and the wire insulation was rubbed. The dealer was contacted but the owner made the repairs himself. *ak *ml”Owner report · Structure · May 2000
“The shoulder harness repeatedly fails. Local saturn knows of problem. Seems to be related to deficient design/location of control module.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 1999
“Stitches on the seat belt are coming loose, and seat belt isn't supporting the consumer that is using the seat belt. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 1999
“When trying to start the vehicle up all the lights came on ,and the vehicle wasn't starting. Also, consumer had the water pump replaced and the water pump went out again. The engine check light came on and still is on. Back windshield and door locks are not working, and the dealer replaced different parts on the vehicle. Dealer can't determine the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1998
“Shoulder belt for driver should slide on track and it does not. Dealer contacted and states the cable that should move the belt is busted. Dealer can repair at $400. Extended warranty ran out. Consumer is responsible for repairs. Provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
How other years compare
Check your exact SW by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1993 Saturn SW reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Saturn SW. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1993 Saturn SW have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.