Saturn SW Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Saturn SW model year (1992–2001) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Saturn SW Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 21 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Problem score: 37
1 recall · 15 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: SEATS
Problem score: 36
2 recalls · 16 complaints
Top issue: CHILD SEAT
Problem score: 22
Best Saturn SW Years to Buy
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Problem score: 5
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 7
0 recalls · 14 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Problem score: 16
Found the right year? Verify that specific SW with a free VIN report.
Saturn SW — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 0 | 5 | 1 | — | 7 | Good |
| 2000 | 2 | 10 | 3 | — | 22 | Caution |
| 1999 | 1 | 7 | 4 | — | 18 | Caution |
| 1998 | 0 | 14 | 1 | — | 16 | Caution |
| 1997 | 0 | 14 | 1 | — | 16 | Caution |
| 1996 | 0 | 20 | — | — | 20 | Caution |
| 1995 | 2 | 21 | 5 | — | 37 | Avoid |
| 1994 | 1 | 15 | 9 | — | 36 | Avoid |
| 1993 | 2 | 16 | — | — | 22 | Caution |
| 1992 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Good |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Saturn SW Shopping Guide by Era
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder SW models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year SW should I avoid?+
Avoid the 1995 Saturn SW if possible. It has 2 recalls, 21 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 37 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year SW to buy?+
The 1992 Saturn SW is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 1 recall and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which SW has the fewest problems?+
The 1992, 2001, 1997 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Saturn SW Research
Check a Specific Saturn SW VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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