Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 6 of 31 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports2 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
31 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 1999
Seat Belts
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…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #710394
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Exterior Lighting
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #606961
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Visibility
WINDSHIELD WASHER JETS FAILED. NLM
NHTSA ODI #606295
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Electrical System
HORN FAILED. NLM
NHTSA ODI #606129
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 1998
Power Train
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE, WARMING UP AND ALL PEOPLE WERE IN THE HOUSE WHEN VEHICLE WENT INTO GEAR AND DROVE THROUGH THE GARAGE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #781119
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 1998
Interior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING DOME LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND FLICKER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL UNABLE TO BE RESOLVED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #826305
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTI LOCK BRAKES MAKE SHRILL NOISE AND THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, BRAKES WORN EXCESSIVELY.
NHTSA ODI #605742
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FRONT BRAKES WORN, CAUSING DIFFICULTY DURING EMERGENCY STOPS.
NHTSA ODI #529078
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 1997
Air BagsInjury
FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
NHTSA ODI #522623
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 1997
Power Train
CONSTANT CYCLICAL VIBRATION WHILE IN 5TH GEAR AND TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #518691
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1997 Saturn Sw Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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