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1999 Saturn SWProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 1999 Saturn SW, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints166 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage36kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 8, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Saturn SW has problems

16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags44
Equipment20
Seats21
Tires20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Power train20
Vehicle speed control10
Visibility10
Seat belts10
3 other systems31

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Saturn SW recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saturn.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other SW year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SW median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SW owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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
Complaint 10604383 · Jun 18, 2014 · 36,000 miles
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…
Complaint 728058 · Aug 16, 2000

Own a 1999 SW?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.