Owners have filed 23 complaints
about the 1999 Saturn SW with NHTSA between 1998 and 2014.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 35
Against the median year of the Saturn SW. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
47.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1999 Saturn SW
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
417.4%
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
313.0%
Median failure at 37,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
28.7%
Median failure at 13,430 miles
Seats
28.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
28.7%
Body & Structure
28.7%
Brakes
28.7%
Other & Unspecified
14.3%
Seat Belts
14.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
14.3%
Suspension
14.3%
Steering
14.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
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.
Nov 1998peak 5Dec 2014
Recalls on the 1999 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 199921019,869 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210 - Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages. Seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and cold fall out, making the seat belt inoperative and increasing the occupant's risk of injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and torque the seat belt guide anchor bolts to the proper specification.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cades, SCCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #10663006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cades, SCCrash1 killed
STEERING
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 complaint #10663006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesSanta Monica, CACrash
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #10604383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DURING A VEHICLE CRASH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8013997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arvada, COCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO), BUT THE MAJOR CONCERN WAS THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT SPRINGS BROKE COLLAPSING THE DRIVERS SEAT AND LEFT MY HUSBAND LANDING IN THE BACK SEAT, HIS FOOT FALLING FROM THE BRAKE AND ROLLING INTO TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 12-15MPH. MY HUSBAND ENDED UP INJURED WITH A THORACIC STRAIN. MY DAUGHTER (IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) WAS ALSO INJURED. BOTH OF THEM WERE RESTRAINED WITH FULL SEAT BELTS. IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND AT THE SIGHT WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS LUCKY THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT THAT DAY OR SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AND KILLED BY THE SEAT THAT COLLAPSED BEHIND MY HUSBAND. IN ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM WITH SATURN THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEIR SEATS ARE DESIGNED LIKE THAT FOR SAFETY PURPOSES AND THAT "IN A REAR-END COLLISION, A SEATBACK CAN YIELD IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THAT SEATBACK." THEY ALSO REFERRED ME TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS FMVSS 207 FOR THE STANDARD. I AM NOT ABLE TO TELL IN READING THE FMVSS 207 IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEEDED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THE SEATBACK AND I AM HOPING THAT YOU CAN HELP ME. MY HUSBAND IS 6 FEET TALL AND WEIGHS 260 POUNDS. SATURN TELLS ME THAT THE SEATS WERE DESIGNED THIS WAY TO HELP PREVENT WHIPLASH. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEY ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD. CAN YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS FOR ME? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER......... SINCERELY, MRS. JULI GORDON.
NHTSA complaint #728058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arvada, COCrash2 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO), BUT THE MAJOR CONCERN WAS THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT SPRINGS BROKE COLLAPSING THE DRIVERS SEAT AND LEFT MY HUSBAND LANDING IN THE BACK SEAT, HIS FOOT FALLING FROM THE BRAKE AND ROLLING INTO TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 12-15MPH. MY HUSBAND ENDED UP INJURED WITH A THORACIC STRAIN. MY DAUGHTER (IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) WAS ALSO INJURED. BOTH OF THEM WERE RESTRAINED WITH FULL SEAT BELTS. IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND AT THE SIGHT WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS LUCKY THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT THAT DAY OR SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AND KILLED BY THE SEAT THAT COLLAPSED BEHIND MY HUSBAND. IN ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM WITH SATURN THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEIR SEATS ARE DESIGNED LIKE THAT FOR SAFETY PURPOSES AND THAT "IN A REAR-END COLLISION, A SEATBACK CAN YIELD IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THAT SEATBACK." THEY ALSO REFERRED ME TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS FMVSS 207 FOR THE STANDARD. I AM NOT ABLE TO TELL IN READING THE FMVSS 207 IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEEDED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THE SEATBACK AND I AM HOPING THAT YOU CAN HELP ME. MY HUSBAND IS 6 FEET TALL AND WEIGHS 260 POUNDS. SATURN TELLS ME THAT THE SEATS WERE DESIGNED THIS WAY TO HELP PREVENT WHIPLASH. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEY ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD. CAN YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS FOR ME? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER......... SINCERELY, MRS. JULI GORDON.
NHTSA complaint #728058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cades, SCCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #10663006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cades, SCCrash1 killed
STEERING
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 complaint #10663006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesSanta Monica, CACrash
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #10604383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,430 milesSummerville, SC
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
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 complaint #10099681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesNorth Canton, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT DIFFERENTIAL PIN CAME OUT AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10071417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesNorth Canton, OH
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
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. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT DIFFERENTIAL PIN CAME OUT AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10071417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marrietta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS DEFECTIVE BRAKES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A HOT SPOT ON THE BRAKE DISC WHICH CAUSES RUBBING, THE DEALER ALSO STATED THE PROBLEM IS A RESULT OD DRIVEABILITY OR MISHANDLING OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #565516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DURING A VEHICLE CRASH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8013997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elisabeth, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
AT A SAFETY CHECK FOR SEATBELTS, 3 OF THE SEATBELT RETRACTORS IN WERE FOUND TO BE INOPERATIVE. ONLY FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT RETRACTOR WORKS.
NHTSA complaint #8009836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
HOT FLORIDA DAY; CAR FULLY LOADED; TREAD SEPARATED AT 70 MPH (3000 MI ON TIRE AT TIME). *AK (TIRESIZE: P17570R14)
NHTSA complaint #750479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ANN Arbor, MI
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT/CARRIER BEARING ASSEMBLY FAILED AT RELATIVELY LOW MILES. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THIS SPECIFIC FAILURE IS COMMON SO OWNERS CAN BE NOTIFIED AND AVOID THIS COSTLY AND SERIOUS REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #738330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arvada, COCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO), BUT THE MAJOR CONCERN WAS THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT SPRINGS BROKE COLLAPSING THE DRIVERS SEAT AND LEFT MY HUSBAND LANDING IN THE BACK SEAT, HIS FOOT FALLING FROM THE BRAKE AND ROLLING INTO TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 12-15MPH. MY HUSBAND ENDED UP INJURED WITH A THORACIC STRAIN. MY DAUGHTER (IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) WAS ALSO INJURED. BOTH OF THEM WERE RESTRAINED WITH FULL SEAT BELTS. IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND AT THE SIGHT WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS LUCKY THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT THAT DAY OR SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AND KILLED BY THE SEAT THAT COLLAPSED BEHIND MY HUSBAND. IN ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM WITH SATURN THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEIR SEATS ARE DESIGNED LIKE THAT FOR SAFETY PURPOSES AND THAT "IN A REAR-END COLLISION, A SEATBACK CAN YIELD IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THAT SEATBACK." THEY ALSO REFERRED ME TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS FMVSS 207 FOR THE STANDARD. I AM NOT ABLE TO TELL IN READING THE FMVSS 207 IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEEDED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THE SEATBACK AND I AM HOPING THAT YOU CAN HELP ME. MY HUSBAND IS 6 FEET TALL AND WEIGHS 260 POUNDS. SATURN TELLS ME THAT THE SEATS WERE DESIGNED THIS WAY TO HELP PREVENT WHIPLASH. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEY ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD. CAN YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS FOR ME? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER......... SINCERELY, MRS. JULI GORDON.
NHTSA complaint #728058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arvada, COCrash2 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO), BUT THE MAJOR CONCERN WAS THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT SPRINGS BROKE COLLAPSING THE DRIVERS SEAT AND LEFT MY HUSBAND LANDING IN THE BACK SEAT, HIS FOOT FALLING FROM THE BRAKE AND ROLLING INTO TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 12-15MPH. MY HUSBAND ENDED UP INJURED WITH A THORACIC STRAIN. MY DAUGHTER (IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) WAS ALSO INJURED. BOTH OF THEM WERE RESTRAINED WITH FULL SEAT BELTS. IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND AT THE SIGHT WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS LUCKY THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT THAT DAY OR SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AND KILLED BY THE SEAT THAT COLLAPSED BEHIND MY HUSBAND. IN ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM WITH SATURN THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEIR SEATS ARE DESIGNED LIKE THAT FOR SAFETY PURPOSES AND THAT "IN A REAR-END COLLISION, A SEATBACK CAN YIELD IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THAT SEATBACK." THEY ALSO REFERRED ME TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS FMVSS 207 FOR THE STANDARD. I AM NOT ABLE TO TELL IN READING THE FMVSS 207 IF THE FORCES IN THE COLLISION EXCEEDED THE DESIGN LOAD LIMITS FOR THE SEATBACK AND I AM HOPING THAT YOU CAN HELP ME. MY HUSBAND IS 6 FEET TALL AND WEIGHS 260 POUNDS. SATURN TELLS ME THAT THE SEATS WERE DESIGNED THIS WAY TO HELP PREVENT WHIPLASH. IF THAT IS THE CASE THEY ALMOST KILLED MY CHILD. CAN YOU SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS FOR ME? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER......... SINCERELY, MRS. JULI GORDON.
NHTSA complaint #728058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Addison, VT
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
FIRESTONE TIRES TREAD CAME APART, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A TIRE BLOWOUT AND CRASH. FIRESTONE REPLACED THE TIRES AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TIRE SIZE P18565R15.
NHTSA complaint #864312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Quogu, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
STEPPING ON THE BRAKE CAUSED THE IDLE TO GO TO MAXIMUM RPM. YH
NHTSA complaint #551538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennsauken, NJ
SEATS
DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE SEATS, WHICH ARE ANGLED BACK FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, THE CHILD SAFETY SEATS DO NOT FIT PROPERLY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURIES IF IN ACCIDENT. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DOOR OUT OF ALIGNMENT CAUSING VIBRATION. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #548535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PASSENGER DOOR BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT WILL NOT UNLOCK, SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER NOT FIXED. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #548535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT END VIBRATION AND NOISE SINCE PURCHASE, AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS FRONT END STILL EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #548535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS OUT OF ROUND CAUSING VIBRATION AND NOISE. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #548535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONER MAKES LOUD NOISE. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #548535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westville, IN
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE DOES NOT COME WITHIN 6 INCHES FROM THE END OF THE WINDSHIELD WHICH MAY CAUSE VISUAL DIFFICULTY, AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY AT DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #833406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVER'S SIDE FACTORY INSTALLED FLOOR MAT SLIDES AND WEDGES UNDER PEDALS. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT HAVE NO FIX. AT NO SPEED DO YOU FEEL AS IF YOU ARE FULLY IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT WALLOWS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. THIS LEADS TO CONSTANT OVER-STEERING, WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. SERVICE MANAGER CONTENDS THAT EVERYTHING MEETS THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECS. WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THE FIRESTONE AFFINITY, TOURING T1, P185/65/R15 86T M& S TIRES THE CAR CAME THROUGH WITH, HE MADE NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #700780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.