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
- 16
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 16 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 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
4 of 16 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-08
Also filed under Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-18
During a vehicle crash airbags did not deploy, consumer sustained injuries. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-16
Power train
3 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and axle shaft.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-23
Tires
2 of 16 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Equipment
2 of 16 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-29
Service brakes
2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1999-10-29Seat belts99V280000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Saturn SW — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V280000 · Seat belts
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 air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn SW have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.