Most common 1999 Saturn S-Series problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn S-Series complaints by model year
Best S-Series years: 1997, 1999, 2000. Compare all years →
What 1999 Saturn S-Series owners say
Engine & cooling
In January, February and March of 2003 I experienced repeated stalling on the highway with my 1999 Saturn. No one, including a Saturn dealer, knew what was wrong. By trial and error, it seemed that if I kept the gas tank at least half full I could avoid the problem. It wasn't the best solution, but it seemed to work. But this past Saturday, November 20, 2004, it stalled again on the highway. On Sunday I drove it around town and it was fine. Then today it stalled again in almost exactly the same spot as two days ago. The worst part is that it had almost a full tank of gas; this is the first time that the stalling occurred with that much gas in the tank. It never happens on the way home from work, only on the way there. The stalling occurs after I have driven approximately 20 miles at a speed of about 65 miles per hour. The car gives an indication that it's about to die by shuddering. …
I have a 1999 Saturn. It keeps stalling while in motion. It will work fine for a few weeks, then all of the sudden it will "act up" and the rpms will dance around until it finally stalls. I have had this happen many times already. I believe it should be included with the timing chain inquiry, but I am not sure if it will run long enough for it to be covered. I am upset that I can't get any answers from Saturn. They insist on me bringing the car in and I am quite sure that will need to "fix it" which will cost me plenty. Please make note that my vehicle is affected by this defect and I can't afford to fix it myself.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Saturn S-Series a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 S-Series rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S-Series at the same age. It is one of the best S-Series years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Saturn S-Series?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the electrical system (2) and seat belts (1).
How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn S-Series have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Saturn S-Series. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn S-Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997, 1999 and 2000. See the full Saturn S-Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Saturn S-Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.