1998 Saturn SW: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control; the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
27
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaigns1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 27 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)5 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3 complaints
Seats2 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)2 complaints
“Experiencing a rattle or click noise from the rear of vehicle when turning at slow speeds and/or driving over uneven surfaces.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2007
“Dt: 1998 saturn sw2. The consumer stated the driver's side seat belt broke while the vehicle was in use. The latch came loose. She has spoken with saturn, they told her to take it in to be inspected. On the way to the dealership they were pulled over for not wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the vehicle has not yet made it to the dealership. Saturn stated there was a service bulletin for this problem, and the consumer will have to pay for it. This vehicle has never been in any kind of accident. The safety belt was still not working. They were going to take the vehicle to the dealership next tuesday.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2005
“While driving 10 mph engine stalled. The dealer stated that the engine bearing wore out completely on one side. As a result, the engine needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Accelerator pedal hinge broke... Leaving the accelerator pedal hanging from the accelerator cable. Car is not driveable.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2004
“There is a crack in the front windshield that begins were the rear view mirror is attached to the windshield. Consumer can not see trough front windshield. *ak windshield was inspected for cracks, none was found. In addition, crack reached to both left and right sides that spanned approximately 8 inches. *la”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2004
“Seats collapsed when rear ended while stopped at light--if passenger was in back seat, there is a strong possibility of serious injury. If it's a small child, death from the impact of the collapsing seat could cause death.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2000
“Whilr at a complete stop, vehicle will not return to correct idle position, it will stay at a high idle point. Contacted dealer, and the dealer can not locate the problem.*ak.*jg”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 1999
“Seat belts will tighten while switching lanes or when increasing speed. Consumer cannot move around to check traffic behind her. Has been to dealer who said that belts are working as designed. Please add additional information. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 1999
“Consumer vehicle was at a stand still when another vehicle rear ended it at an impact of approximately 40 mph, causing both front seats to fall backward; dealer/mfr. Notifed and had nothing postive to say. Seeking information from NHTSA in this matter. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Apr 1999
“Backing out of driveway engine catches on fire. Very sudden. No indication of upcoming problem. Car under warranty. Total loss. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact SW by VIN
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Is the 1998 Saturn SW reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Saturn SW. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.