Most common 2000 Saturn SW problems
Share of the 15 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 →
2000 Saturn SW recalls (7)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, equipped with automatic transaxles, fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles were built with an improperly adjusted automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly.
Remedy: Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a console armrest fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." the armrests were produced with a latch that will not withstand the vertical force requirements of the standard.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the console armrest latch.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." these vehicles were produced with brake pipe attachment nuts that May not be tightened to specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake pipe nuts for leakage, verify they are tightened to specifications, and replace the brake pipes if needed.
Structure › Body › Bumpers
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 581, "bumper standard." these vehicles were produced with rear bumper fasteners that May be loose or missing.
Remedy: Dealers will verify that the rear bumper beam fasteners are present and properly tightened and, if missing, install new fasteners.
Show 1 more recall
Unknown or other
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection." some of these vehicles were manufactured with welds in the instrument panel carrier assembly that do not meet Saturn quality standards.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the vehicle's instrument panel carrier assembly.
What 2000 Saturn SW owners say
Engine & cooling
Airbag should have been recalled and was in system but not replaced. Ignition problems with fuel not able to reach. Ignition switch wire burned and was recalled prior but not given to my make model. Muffler not able to control exhaust system.
While driving at highway speed the engine shut down causing lost of power steering. Consumer was able to coast to the side of the road. Dealer notified said crank shaft position sensor is defective. Ts
2000 Saturn SW engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 34 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Saturn SW a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 SW rates better than average: 46% 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 2000 Saturn SW?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the seats (2) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn SW have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2000 Saturn SW, the most recent from October 12, 2000 (park/neutral start interlock switch). 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 2000 Saturn SW problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 170,000 miles; 0% 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.