1999 Saturn SW
Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 16 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 16 total reports mention: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20041129
2 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING A VEHICLE CRASH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020716
MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER (AGE 4) WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 27, 2000 IN OUR 1999 SATURN SW1. THEY WERE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN THEY WERE REAR ENDED AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45PMH. UPON IMPACT NIETHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000831
2 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
MY SON WAS KILLED IN A 1999 SATURN THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK I NEED TO KNOW WHY CAR CUT OFF WHILE GO DOWN I-20. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141208
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20140618
1 of 16 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND TORQUE OF THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS.
Campaign 99V280000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V280000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 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 1999 Saturn SW?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 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.