Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 1997 Saturn SW with NHTSA between 1997 and 2018.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Saturn SW. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Saturn SW
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
822.9%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 99,100 mi
Brakes
514.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
514.3%
Median failure at 90,100 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
411.4%
Seat Belts
38.6%
Tires
25.7%
Median failure at 92,000 miles
Lights
25.7%
Airbags
25.7%
Median failure at 139,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
12.9%
Median failure at 139,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.9%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
12.9%
Engine & Cooling
12.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
225.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
337.5%
150,000+ miles
112.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1997peak 3Aug 2018
Recalls on the 1997 Saturn SW
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19982404,294 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles were either produced or serviced with a horn assembly which may fail. As a result, the horn may either become inoperable or activate without pressing the horn button. Under certain conditions, heat could build up in the horn assembly and an underhood fire could result without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary replace the horn assembly.
Recall 19970857 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 114 - Locking System. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition while the cylinder is in the RUN position. The ignition key must be reinserted in the ignition to turn the engine off. Correction: Ignition cylinder will be re-coded. Re-coding of the ignition cylinder will require the doors and rear compartment or liftgate locks to be re-coded to retain a one key system.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ST. Anne, MOCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 SATURN SW. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, BUT ALSO FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND BUMPS. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ... *BF
NHTSA complaint #11119896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesTowson, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE IGNITION AFTER THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY REMOVED THE KEY AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,200 milesTinton Falls, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
I CALLED SATURN OF EATONTOWN, NJ REPORTING AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION AND DOOR BELL ALARM-IT RANG CONSTANTLY. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANGER NOT TO WORRY, USE A LITTLE CW SPREAD; 3 DAYS LATER, THE STEERING COLUMN AND IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE. SATURN IS REFUSING TO HONOR SAFETY RECALL TSB # 97-C-02, DATED APR 97, TITLED, "RECALL-IGNITION CYLINDER MALFUNCTION." I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER FEDERAL LAW A MANUFACTURER-INITIATED SAFETY RECALL IS EQUAL TO A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL AND MUST BE REMEDIED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. ANTHONY A. SESSA P. S. I AM NOT SURE WHEN MY DECEASED FATHER PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10014127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Provid, NJ1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
NHTSA complaint #522623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ST. Anne, MOCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 SATURN SW. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, BUT ALSO FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND BUMPS. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ... *BF
NHTSA complaint #11119896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
AIR BAGS
THIS 1997 SATURN SW2 HAS GM'S IGNITION PROBLEM. THE AIR BAGS WERE BLOWN ONCE THIS FRIED THE WIRES BELOW THE STEARING AND NOW THEY SAY THIS IS NOT. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, STREET, I JUST PUSHED IT OFF THE ROAD FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 2 WEEKS AND NOW I MAY LOOSE EVERYTHING I HAVE IN MY LIFE. I CAN NOT EVEN GET THE "FIX" FOR THE RECALLS UNLESS I PAY CLOSE TO $200. FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO DO IT MYSELF. I FIND THIS UNFAIR BEING THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS ONCE THEY KNEW AND NOT WAITED FOR ATTORNEYS TO SAY "HOW MANY", COMPLAINTS = LAWSUIT. I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO JOIN IN IF NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #11010919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS 1997 SATURN SW2 HAS GM'S IGNITION PROBLEM. THE AIR BAGS WERE BLOWN ONCE THIS FRIED THE WIRES BELOW THE STEARING AND NOW THEY SAY THIS IS NOT. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, STREET, I JUST PUSHED IT OFF THE ROAD FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 2 WEEKS AND NOW I MAY LOOSE EVERYTHING I HAVE IN MY LIFE. I CAN NOT EVEN GET THE "FIX" FOR THE RECALLS UNLESS I PAY CLOSE TO $200. FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO DO IT MYSELF. I FIND THIS UNFAIR BEING THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS ONCE THEY KNEW AND NOT WAITED FOR ATTORNEYS TO SAY "HOW MANY", COMPLAINTS = LAWSUIT. I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO JOIN IN IF NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #11010919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS 1997 SATURN SW2 HAS GM'S IGNITION PROBLEM. THE AIR BAGS WERE BLOWN ONCE THIS FRIED THE WIRES BELOW THE STEARING AND NOW THEY SAY THIS IS NOT. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, STREET, I JUST PUSHED IT OFF THE ROAD FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 2 WEEKS AND NOW I MAY LOOSE EVERYTHING I HAVE IN MY LIFE. I CAN NOT EVEN GET THE "FIX" FOR THE RECALLS UNLESS I PAY CLOSE TO $200. FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO DO IT MYSELF. I FIND THIS UNFAIR BEING THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS ONCE THEY KNEW AND NOT WAITED FOR ATTORNEYS TO SAY "HOW MANY", COMPLAINTS = LAWSUIT. I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO JOIN IN IF NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #11010919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesTowson, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE IGNITION AFTER THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY REMOVED THE KEY AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE ENGINE TURNS OFF DURING DRIVING OR COMING TO A STOP IF I LEAVE THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT OR 4HRS LATER IT WILL START AND RUN FOR ABOUT A HOUR THEN IT TURNS OFF, HAD A DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CHECK AND THEY SAID THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. REPLACED THE IGNITION COILS, SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG CABLES, GAS FILTER, CLEAN THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING. SPEED ODOMETER MAKES A RUBBING NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10220011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
THE ENGINE TURNS OFF DURING DRIVING OR COMING TO A STOP IF I LEAVE THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT OR 4HRS LATER IT WILL START AND RUN FOR ABOUT A HOUR THEN IT TURNS OFF, HAD A DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CHECK AND THEY SAID THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. REPLACED THE IGNITION COILS, SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG CABLES, GAS FILTER, CLEAN THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING. SPEED ODOMETER MAKES A RUBBING NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #10220011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesTarzana, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SATURN SW2. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE FIREHAWK ATX TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRAG. SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN BUMPING AND JUMPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED NEAR THE SIDEWALL FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. APPROXIMATELY HALF OF THE TIRE WAS RIPPED. AAA ARRIVED AND CHANGED THE TIRE. FIRESTONE ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE TIRE TO A LOCAL STORE. A FIRESTONE AGENT INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE TOO OLD. THE AGENT THEN OFFERED TO REPLACE ONLY THE FAILED TIRE INSTEAD OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TIRES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01T006000. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,647 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10204703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,100 milesRainier, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION BLOWN FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10149963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,445 milesAlexandria, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THE IGNITION COIL PACK HAD MALFUNCTIONED. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10075666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONSUMER STATED DOOR BELL WAS ACTING AS IF THE LIGHTS WERE ON, AND THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER/MECHANIC, HE KEPT PRESSING ON THE BUTTON, AND GOT IT TO SHUT OFF. THEN HE REINSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. AFTER MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE FOR THE SMOKING, IT WAS FOUND TO BE A BURNING HARNESS WIRE. IT WOULD COST FROM $800.00 TO $1000.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR IT. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. SHE DID NOT THINK THIS WAS FAIR BECAUSE THE MECHANIC CAUSED THIS PROBLEM, IT HAPPENED WHEN HE WAS FIXING SOMETHING ELSE. SHE WANTED TO KNOW -WHY SHE HAD TO PAY WHEN IT WAS JUST A PART OF THE REPAIR FOR THE DOOR BELL/IGNITION FALSE ALARM?
NHTSA complaint #10034411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,200 milesTinton Falls, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
I CALLED SATURN OF EATONTOWN, NJ REPORTING AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION AND DOOR BELL ALARM-IT RANG CONSTANTLY. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANGER NOT TO WORRY, USE A LITTLE CW SPREAD; 3 DAYS LATER, THE STEERING COLUMN AND IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE. SATURN IS REFUSING TO HONOR SAFETY RECALL TSB # 97-C-02, DATED APR 97, TITLED, "RECALL-IGNITION CYLINDER MALFUNCTION." I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER FEDERAL LAW A MANUFACTURER-INITIATED SAFETY RECALL IS EQUAL TO A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL AND MUST BE REMEDIED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. ANTHONY A. SESSA P. S. I AM NOT SURE WHEN MY DECEASED FATHER PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10014127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairport, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICE REGARDING A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP, HOWEVER WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP UNTIL IT FAILED, BUT WAS TOLD TO KEEP THE LETTER UNTIL THE FUEL PUMP FAILED, ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HARD STARTING, AND AFTER THE 3RD OCCURRENCE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS INDEED DEFECTIVE, HOWEVER THE LETTER CONSUMER RECEIVED PREVIOUSLY WAS NO LONGER VALID WHICH WAS GOOD FOR 6 YEARS OR 70,000 MILES, AND CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS 6 YEARS OLD WITH 90,000 AND THEREFORE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGE, CONSUMER IS NOW SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #567143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Allen, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
A BOLT IN TRANSMISSION BROKE OFF AND BROKE THROUGH THE CASING, CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK.. VEHICLE COULD CATCH FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #8018271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, SATURN HAD SENT CONSUMER A LETTER STATING THAT THE FUEL PUMP MAY FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAUSE EXTENDED CRANK TIME, LOSS OF POWER, AND POSSIBLE NO START CONDITIONS, SATURN GAVE A RREPLACEMENT COVERAGE OF 6 YEARS/75000 MILES, HOWEVER 5 MONTHS AFTER FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT, THE FUEL REGULATOR WENT BAD, DEALER ALSO REPLACED NEW PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES, CONSUMER FEELS THE FUEL PUMP OVER PRESSURIZED THE FUEL REGULATOR CAUSING A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION IN THE FUEL REGULATOR TO FAIL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #560938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, SATURN HAD SENT CONSUMER A LETTER STATING THAT THE FUEL PUMP MAY FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAUSE EXTENDED CRANK TIME, LOSS OF POWER, AND POSSIBLE NO START CONDITIONS, SATURN GAVE A RREPLACEMENT COVERAGE OF 6 YEARS/75000 MILES, HOWEVER 5 MONTHS AFTER FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT, THE FUEL REGULATOR WENT BAD, DEALER ALSO REPLACED NEW PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES, CONSUMER FEELS THE FUEL PUMP OVER PRESSURIZED THE FUEL REGULATOR CAUSING A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION IN THE FUEL REGULATOR TO FAIL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #560938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lamont, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TIRE WAS READY TO THROW TREAD (FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING TI - P185-65R15). NLM
NHTSA complaint #558412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparks, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 30MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT WHEN SHE APPLIED BRAKES, AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS GUSHY AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP.
NHTSA complaint #871302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, MI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE LAP BELT AREA THEREBY NOT ALLOWING ME TO FASTEN MY BELT. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE UNBELTED BUT I COULD NOT BELT UP. WORKED FINE THE DAY BEFORE. DEALER SAID BELT MUST BE REPLACED BUT I MUST PAY VEHICLE IS PAST THE 3YR 36000 MILE WARRANTY. I MADE A MISTAKE AS I THOUGHT THAT SAFETY AND EMISSIONS WERE COVERED LONGER.
NHTSA complaint #729381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE HANGS AND "RATCHETS" UPWARD WITH SPEED (CRUISE) CONTROL ENGAGED. TURNING SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TO "OFF" DOES NOT CORRECT THE CONDITION, NEITHER DOES APPLYING THE BRAKES. MANUALLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO UN-STICK THE THROTTLE CAUSED FURTHER UPWARD "RATCHETING" OF THE THROTTLE AND FURTHER INCREASE IN VEHICLE SPEED. VEHICLE REMAINS IN A STATE OF "RUNAWAY" UNTIL THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED OFF. SWITCHING THE IGNITION "OFF" USUALLY CORRECTS THE CONDITION. PROBLEM OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS: DECEMBER, 1999; AND MAY 13, 2000. REPORTED TO DEALER IN DECEMBER, 1999 (SO# 85066). DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL. FIRST INCIDENT RESULTED IN VEHICLE RUNNING A "STOP" SIGN AT END OF EXIT RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH , BUT NO CRASH. SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. SECOND INCIDENT WAS CORRECTED BY TURNING OFF IGNITION AND COASTING TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. INCIDENTS OCCURRED WITH DIFFERENT DRIVERS OPERATING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #722657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hughes, AR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BRAKES SQUEALING WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED WITHIN THE FIRST MILE OF DRIVING,. THEN BRAKES FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS A NORMAL CONDITION. ASKING NHTSA TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #860222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rough&Ready, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
UPON STARTING VEHICLE A HUGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. DRIVER SHUT OFF THE IGNTION AND REMOVED THE KEY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTERWARDS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE ALL WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FOUND TO BE BURNED. INSURANCE COMPANY NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. ALL THE WIRING WILL BE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
NHTSA complaint #857235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrolton, OH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEATBELT WILL NOT UNREEL FROM OPEN POSITION ,AND WILL NOT RELEASE, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION.
NHTSA complaint #851735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
NO SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #712729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE SEAT BELTS IN OUR SATURN DO NOT ALLOW US TO INSTALL CHILD CAR SEATS IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THEY DO NOT MOVE. WE HAVE PURCHASED A CAR BED FOR OUR BABY - DUE ANY MOMENT - ONLY TO FIND THAT WE CANNOT SECURE A CAR SEAT WITH BELTS THAT COME OUT OF THE CENTER OF THE SEAT. SATURN SAYS THEIR BELTS COMPLY - THE CAR SEAT MANUFACTURER SAYS SAYS THEY COMPLY AND YET WE DON'T HAVE A SAFE WAY TO INSTALL THE TWO CAR SEATS WE NEED FOR OUR GIRLS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT A SEAT BELT THAT COMES OUT OF THE SEAT CANNOT SAFELY BE USED WITH ANY CAR SEAT. I'M DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO ENSURE MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY, SATURN SAYS IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #710394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.