2000 Saturn SW: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owned a 2000 saturn sw. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact noticed flames under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire and determined that it was due to an electrical failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2014
“Airbag should have been recalled and was in system but not replaced. Ignition problems with fuel not able to reach. Ignition switch wire burned and was recalled prior but not given to my make model. Muffler not able to control exhaust system.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn sw2. The contact was driving approximately 15 mph and attempting a turn when the rear driver side door released independently and swung open. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was told that the failure was common amongst the year, make and model. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed nor repaired. The failure and current mileage was 230,000. Updated 04/25/11 *bf”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jan 2011
Show 6 more owner reports
“At about 70 mph on the fwy. I swerved left to avoid a collision, ABS caused steering to tighten, I was unable to straighten, so I pulled harder to the right. I skidded right, hitting another vehicle with my right front at about 50mph. The srs air bags failed to deploy. I continued to slide to 180 degrees. Rolling backwards, I hit the center divider with the right rear bumper at about 35 mph. The impact caused my seat back to collapse (recline), although I was wearing a seatbelt. I was ejected and slammed the back of my head into the ceiling of the car. I was hospitalized. The impact also ruptured the fuel tank. Driving conditions were clear, and dry. Dt”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2002
“While driving at highway speed the engine shut down causing lost of power steering. Consumer was able to coast to the side of the road. Dealer notified said crank shaft position sensor is defective. Ts *tt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2002
“When the consumer applied the brakes the wheel shakes due to warped rotors. The rotors had been cut at 22000 miles because of the same problem. Consumer believes that the rotors were defective. *yh”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2001
“While driving in warm temperature windshield will get film on inside without any warning. Dealer/manufacturer aware of the problem, no solution yet. *ak *ml”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2000
“Letter on behalf of constituent (nc) the defective fuel tank vent valve on her 2000 saturn sw1, dealer claims there was no recall. The consumer stated the vehicle would not take gas. She went to an auto repair shop and they printed out a recall and advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 1901
“Rear passenger's seat built-in locking clip; upon installing a child seat the locking clip broke in half. Consumer has contacted manufacturer. Parts beening sent out. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Seats
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Remedy: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONSOLE ARMREST FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THE ARMRESTS WERE PRODUCED WITH A LATCH THAT WILL NOT WITHSTAND THE VERTICAL FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE ARMREST LATCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PIPE ATTACHMENT NUTS THAT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE NUTS FOR LEAKAGE, VERIFY THEY ARE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPES IF NEEDED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN QUALITY STANDARDS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 581, "BUMPER STANDARD." THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR BUMPER FASTENERS THAT MAY BE LOOSE OR MISSING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE REAR BUMPER BEAM FASTENERS ARE PRESENT AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AND, IF MISSING, INSTALL NEW FASTENERS.
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 2000 Saturn SW reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Saturn SW. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2000 Saturn SW have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch. 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.