1994 Saturn SW
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 27 |
| 1994 | 30 |
| 1995 | 36 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 31 |
| 1998 | 27 |
| 1999 | 16 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060217
CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, RESULTING IN TOTALLED ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950628
13% of complaints: seats — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, APPLIED BRAKES (ABS) HARD, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, SLID ABOUT 30 FEET W/BLACK TIRE MARKS BEHIND VEHICLE, REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961230
10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
SEAT BACK FAILURES
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 AP
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.
Campaign 99V045000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SEAT BACK CAN RECLINE OR COLLAPSE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V045000 (seats) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1994 Saturn SW reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Saturn SW?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Saturn SW have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.