1998 Saturn SW
Only 27 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 27 complaints
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
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Backing out of driveway engine catches on fire. Very sudden. No indication of upcoming problem. Car under warranty. Total loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17
Vehicle burns oil prematurely.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-30
While driving at any speed and without any prior warning vehicle stalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-22
Vehicle speed control
5 of 27 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Power train
5 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and universal joint.
Visibility
3 of 27 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield.
Service brakes
2 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1998 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 1998 Saturn SW?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Saturn SW have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.