1994 Saturn SW: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1994 saturn sw2 with automatic shoulder belt failure. The belt will have a shortage and stay forward then come back and then move forward again. *cn”Owner report · Equipment · Feb 2010
“Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure at 50 mph the vehicle accelerated. To avoid hitting another vehicle, the vehicle was shifted into first gear in an attempt to slow the vehicle down. While still applying brake pressure, the vehicle hit a highway sign and a tree. Seatbelts were worn however injuries were sustained. A police report was filed at the scene. After the accident the accelerator pedal was noticed under the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. Although the dealership was notified no repairs were made.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2006
“Oil in cooling system,cylinder head cracked. I had just slowed down for a stop sign in a 35 mph zone. Other web sights claim this to be an on going problem. I was fortunate that it didn't happen on the high way. I was not informed when I registered as the new owner that there were any recalls or bullentins, car was sold to me with " no defects". *ph”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer states brake booster failed causing total brake failure, after inspecting vehicle it was determined brake booster failed due to a nut that vibrated off causing brake booster to break. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2001
“Steering wheel began to spin freely and car ended up in a ditch. Cradle bolts missing. Dealership says this probably caused the front end to spread and the rack and pinion to disengage.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2000
“Vehicle was experiencing problem with overheating whenever a/c was being used. Also , this problem caused vehicle to jerk when applying brakes. Vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still occurring. Please feel free to provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2000
“Reference recall 99v045000. Parts used in 94 model identical to later year, confirmed by dealer parts counter. Dealer mechanic indicated his belief that this should be covered by recall. Failure mode identical to that described in recall. Seat back slipped out of position when vehicle stationary, I had placed my hand on the top of the seatback to brace myself to put an item on the dash when the seatback reclined with a loud "pop". Seatback has reclined additional 2 to 3 teeth since initial movement.”Owner report · Seats · Sep 1999
“I had called saturn of melbourne, fl and was told my car was not part of the recall for seat hinges. I was rear ended on june 24, 1999 and the seat hinge failed. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jun 1999
“Front seats moved back and injured rear passengers during collision, due to seats moving, front passengers received injuries also.”Owner report · Seats · May 1998
“Vehicle had stopped to make a turn and was hit in the rear by another vehicle. The driver's side seatback, that's attached to the bottom of the seat broke, and the driver was thrown out the back of the car. *ak”Owner report · Seats · May 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
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 1994 Saturn SW reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Saturn SW. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Saturn SW problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 115,091 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Saturn SW have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats. 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.