1999 Saturn SW: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The automobile in front of me slammed on their brakes, I slammed on my brakes and my chest hit the steering column. The airbags did not deploy. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2014
“Broken steering wheel mechanism replaced, rusted out hood replaced. Mode control from a/c to defrost went out, less than 14,000 miles. *bf the mode door cable disconnected due to mode door fabric coming off and caused cable to stick. *nm”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 2004
“While driving at 65 mph consumer heard a popping sound and vehicle jerked. Consumer pulled onto the shoulder. Then, consumer heard a loud bang, and vehicle jerked again and smoked badly. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that differential pin came out and destroyed the transmission. A new transmission was needed for this vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“At a safety check for seatbelts, 3 of the seatbelt retractors in were found to be inoperative. Only front passenger seatbelt retractor works.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2002
“Intermediate shaft/carrier bearing assembly failed at relatively low miles. I am trying to determine if this specific failure is common so owners can be notified and avoid this costly and serious repair.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2000
“Firestone tires tread came apart, which could have caused a tire blowout and crash. Firestone replaced the tires at consumer's expense. Please provide further information. Tire size p18565r15. *ak”Owner report · Tires · May 2000
“Windshield wiper blade does not come within 6 inches from the end of the windshield which may cause visual difficulty, and may result in an accident. Currently at dealer. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 1998
“Driver's side factory installed floor mat slides and wedges under pedals. Service manager said they know about this problem, but have no fix. At no speed do you feel as if you are fully in control of the vehicle. It wallows and pulls to the right. This leads to constant over-steering, which could cause loss of control. Service manager contends that everything meets the manufacturer's specs. When questioned about the firestone affinity, touring t1, p185/65/r15 86t m& s tires the car came through with, he made no response.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other
“Consumer stated the vehicle has defective brakes, consumer was informed by dealer that the problem has been described as a hot spot on the brake disc which causes rubbing, the dealer also stated the problem is a result od driveability or mishandling of the vehicle.*mj”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“Due to the design of the seats, which are angled back for safety purposes, the child safety seats do not fit properly, which could lead to injuries if in accident. *mjs”Owner report · Seats
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME OF THE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED AT THE CENTER PILLAR AND COULD FALL OUT, MAKING THE SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
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 1999 Saturn SW reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Saturn SW. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1999 Saturn SW have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. 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.