Most common 1999 Saturn SW problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn SW complaints by model year
Best SW years: 2001, 2000, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998, 1997. Compare all years →
1999 Saturn SW recalls (1)
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts.
What 1999 Saturn SW owners say
Air bags
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. …
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.
1999 Saturn SW engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 34 / 28 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Saturn SW a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 SW rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SW at the same age. It is one of the best SW 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 SW?
The air bags — 4 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the brakes (2) and a/c & heater (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Saturn SW have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 Saturn SW, the most recent from October 20, 1999 (anchorage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn SW?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2000 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1998 and 1997. See the full Saturn SW years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Saturn SW problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 100% 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.