Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1994 Saturn SW: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

30 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

115,091 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1994 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Vehicle Speed Control is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 30 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior826.7%
Transmission and shifting26.7%
Electrical and battery issues13.3%
Steering behavior13.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Vehicle Speed Control
5
Seats
4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
3
Air Bags
2
Seat Belts
2
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Vehicle Speed Control5
Seats4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip3
Air Bags2
Seat Belts2
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components2

Vehicle Speed Control: 5; Seats: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 3; Air Bags: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 27 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
6
1996
2
1997
5
1998
3
1999
4
2000
3
2001
2
2002
1
2003
1
2005
1
2006
1
2010
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19956
19962
19975
19983
19994
20003
20012
20021
20031
20051
20061
20101

1995: 6; 1996: 2; 1997: 5; 1998: 3; 1999: 4; 2000: 3; 2001: 2; 2002: 1; 2003: 1; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2010: 1

Pattern summary

Vehicle Speed Control leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000171 · 2002-12-17 (December 17, 2002)

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING A DEER HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. TS

Owner-reported narrative. 138,677 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000171 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10038889 · 2003-09-14 (September 14, 2003)

OIL IN COOLING SYSTEM,CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. I HAD JUST SLOWED DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN IN A 35 MPH ZONE. OTHER WEB SIGHTS CLAIM THIS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE HIGH WAY. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHEN I REGISTERED AS THE NEW OWNER THAT THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR BULLENTINS, CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH " NO DEFECTS". *PH

Owner-reported narrative. 94,501 miles reported. Look up ODI 10038889 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10135160 · 2005-09-02 (September 2, 2005)

DT: THE OWNER IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL NUMBER 99V045000. THE RECALL IS IN REGARDS TO THE SEAT RECLINER. THE OWNER ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND WHILE TRYING TO GET COMFORTABLE THE SEAT RECLINER FELL BACK. THE OWNER LOOKED UP THE RECALL INFORMATION BEFORE SHE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED IT WAS UNDER RECALL. THE OWNER WAS SURE THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE ABLE TO BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT WAS RECALLED. UPON SERVICE AT THE DEALER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE RECLINER FOR FREE. …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10135160 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10150547 · 2006-02-17 (February 17, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE STILL APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE HIT A HIGHWAY SIGN AND A TREE. SEATBELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOTICED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT…

Owner-reported narrative. 115,091 miles reported. Look up ODI 10150547 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10307089 · 2010-02-06 (February 6, 2010)

1994 SATURN SW2 WITH AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE. THE BELT WILL HAVE A SHORTAGE AND STAY FORWARD THEN COME BACK AND THEN MOVE FORWARD AGAIN. *CN

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10307089 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 482120 · 1995-03-08 (March 8, 1995)

FOUR DOORS DO NOT LATCH PROPERLY. *TW

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 482120 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 509831 · 1996-10-18 (October 18, 1996)

CRUISE CONTRL FAILED TO DISENGAGE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE, ALSO REPLACED GENERATOR. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 509831 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 516186 · 1997-04-04 (April 4, 1997)

BRAKE REPAIR 4 TIMES--ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 516186 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

99V045000 · Seats

Reported: 1999-03-12 (March 12, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT RECLINER MECHANISMS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

30 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

10.0%Usable mileage3 / 30 records
90.0%Valid incident date27 / 30 records
100.0%Valid filing date30 / 30 records
90.0%Ordered incident and filing dates27 / 30 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19911992199319941995199619971998199920002001
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.4%
ODI 820000

TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER LOOSENED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 820000 at NHTSA ↗

310.0%
ODI 10038889 · 94,501 mi

OIL IN COOLING SYSTEM,CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. I HAD JUST SLOWED DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN IN A 35 MPH ZONE. OTHER WEB SIGHTS CLAIM THIS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE HIGH WAY. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHEN I REGISTERED AS THE NEW OWNER THAT THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR BULLENTINS, CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH " NO DEFECTS". *PH

Look up ODI 10038889 at NHTSA ↗

513.9%
ODI 10028429

OIL CONSUMPTION, CAUSED A BLOWN ENGINE. *AK

Look up ODI 10028429 at NHTSA ↗

315.0%
ODI 10054109 · 27,000 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE ENGINE'S HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED. *NM

Look up ODI 10054109 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.4%
ODI 10044503

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE STALLED. *AK

Look up ODI 10044503 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

320.0%
ODI 10043961

WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEHICLE WOULD STALL, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD.*AK

Look up ODI 10043961 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.4%
ODI 10088394 · 100,061 mi

A KNOWN FAULT IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMITION VALVE ASSEMBLY OF MY 1993 SATURN SW1 IS NOT COVERED BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IS ADMITTED BY THE MANUFACTUER AND CAN BE FIXED AT MY EXPENCE WITH NO REEMBURSMENT OFFERED.*AK

Look up ODI 10088394 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 561240

VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CHANGES GEARS, DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS AN UPPER VALVE BODY PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT STILL DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED WORSE AFTER THE VALVE BODY WAS REPLACED, DEALERSHIP THEN RECOMMENDED A COMPLETE TEARDOWN OF THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $1950 CONSUMER THEN TOOK VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE WORK AT LOWER COST, CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE NOW RUNS GREAT. *JB

Look up ODI 561240 at NHTSA ↗

411.1%
ODI 10002701

THE CYLINDER HEADS OF SOME SATURN CARS CRACK AND THE OIL MIXES WITH THE COOLANT. THE SATURN MANUFACTURER WILL NOT FIX THE CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD ON MY SW1 BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRENTY. MY CAR ONLY HAS 69,000 MILES ON IT. A CYLINER HEAD SHOULD NOT CRACK - ESCPECIALLY WITH ONLY 69,000 MILES. THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE, EVEN WROTE TWO TECHNICAL BULLETONS ON IT. I THINK SATURN SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED CONSTOMERS AND THEY SHOULD FIX MY CAR FREE OF CHARGE.

Look up ODI 10002701 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 746521

WITH THE GASKET FAILURE, THE OIL AND COOLANT MIXED WITHIN THE ENGINE, THE DEALER HAD THE ENGINE FLUSHED OUT AND I HAD IT BACK IN 1 WEEK, 2 MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING TO WORK , IT WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO 2RD GEAR,. HAD TO DRIVE IT DOWN TO THE DEALER'S 2.5 HOURS FROM HOME . GOT IT BACK 1 WEEK LATER. EVER SINCE THE ENGINE WAS WORKED ON WE'VE HAD AN OIL LEAK, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE LEAKAGE WAS IN NORMAL RANGE . WE USE 1-3 QTS EVERY MONTH .

Look up ODI 746521 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10149963 · 90,100 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION BLOWN FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, HOWEVER NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Look up ODI 10149963 at NHTSA ↗

27.4%
ODI 528432

TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE, CAUSING VIBRATION.

Look up ODI 528432 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 10071417 · 37,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND VEHICLE JERKED. CONSUMER PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER. THEN, CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND VEHICLE JERKED AGAIN AND SMOKED BADLY. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT DIFFERENTIAL PIN CAME OUT AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 10071417 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.4%
ODI 817870

WHEN THE OWNER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *AK

Look up ODI 817870 at NHTSA ↗

516.7%
ODI 10150547 · 115,091 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE STILL APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE HIT A HIGHWAY SIGN AND A TREE. SEATBELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOTICED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT…

Look up ODI 10150547 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.0%
ODI 813124

SPEED CONTROL: DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, ATTEMPTING TO EXIT ON A OFF RAMP, TRIED TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT GO OFF, COULD NOT BRAKE. EXITED OFF RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, WENT THROUGH STOP SIGN, ENTERED ANOTHER HIGHWAY, HIT CURB AND MEDIAN, AND VEHICLE STOPPED. *AK *NLM

Look up ODI 813124 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 722657

THROTTLE HANGS AND "RATCHETS" UPWARD WITH SPEED (CRUISE) CONTROL ENGAGED. TURNING SPEED CONTROL SWITCH TO "OFF" DOES NOT CORRECT THE CONDITION, NEITHER DOES APPLYING THE BRAKES. MANUALLY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO UN-STICK THE THROTTLE CAUSED FURTHER UPWARD "RATCHETING" OF THE THROTTLE AND FURTHER INCREASE IN VEHICLE SPEED. VEHICLE REMAINS IN A STATE OF "RUNAWAY" UNTIL THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED OFF. SWITCHING THE IGNITION "OFF" USUALLY CORRECTS THE CONDITION. PROBLEM OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS: DECEMBER, 1999; AND MAY 13, …

Look up ODI 722657 at NHTSA ↗

311.1%
ODI 608650

CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. YH

Look up ODI 608650 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 551538

STEPPING ON THE BRAKE CAUSED THE IDLE TO GO TO MAXIMUM RPM. YH

Look up ODI 551538 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 10041303 · 55,000 mi

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK WON'T "HOLD" POSITION. FALLS BACK UNDER WEIGHT. PROBLEM CONTINUING FOR YEARS. I INFORMED DEALER WHO SIMPLY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE SEAT. I NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR ANY SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE BECAUSE OF THIS. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS THAT I DO NOT FEEL I CAN, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, SELL THIS CAR TO SOMEONE ELSE.*JB

Look up ODI 10041303 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 819239

VEHICLE HAD STOPPED TO MAKE A TURN AND WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK, THAT'S ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT BROKE, AND THE DRIVER WAS THROWN OUT THE BACK OF THE CAR. *AK

Look up ODI 819239 at NHTSA ↗

513.9%
ODI 10010139

I RECEIVED NOTICE REGARDING THE SEAT BACK OF MY 1995 SATURN WAGON. MY CAR DOES EXHIBIT WHAT WAS DESCRIBED - WHEN I LEAN BACK ON THE SEAT IT RECLINES BACKWARDS. I SCHEDULED THE REPAIR TO BE DONE AT THE LOCAL SATURN DEALERSHIP IN HURRICANE, WV. I WAS SURPRISED WHEN I TOOK IT IN THAT THEY SAID MY CAR WAS FINISHED IN 20 MINUTES. WHEN I GOT IN AND LEANED BACK TO PUT MY SEAT BELT ON, THE SEAT FELL BACK INTO A RECLINING POSITION. WHEN I ASKED WHAT HAD THEY DONE, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY CAR WAS BUILT ONE MONTH PRIOR TO TIME PERIOD THEY COVERED AND …

Look up ODI 10010139 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 838439

CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED IT AT AN IMPACT OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, CAUSING BOTH FRONT SEATS TO FALL BACKWARD; DEALER/MFR. NOTIFED AND HAD NOTHING POSTIVE TO SAY. SEEKING INFORMATION FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK

Look up ODI 838439 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 728058

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 DAUGH…

Look up ODI 728058 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10007113

THE BOLTS BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE.*JB

Look up ODI 10007113 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

311.1%
ODI 817870

WHEN THE OWNER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *AK

Look up ODI 817870 at NHTSA ↗

310.0%
ODI 752093

BRACKET HELD IN PLACE BY ONLY ONE RIVET. BRACKET BREAK LOOSE, STRESSING ABS WIRING. DEALER HAS REPAIRED 3 TIMES ON DRIVER'S SIDE, NOW PASSENGER SIDE BROKEN. DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 752093 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 515571

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 515571 at NHTSA ↗

210.0%
ODI 754821

DRIVING ON BACK ROAD, BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY WENT STRAIGHT TO FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE. HAD TO USE ENGINE BRAKING AND HAND BRAKE TO SLOW OR STOP CAR. GAS STATION ATTENDANT REPORTED FULL BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. NORMAL BRAKING RESUMED SPONTANEOUSLY ON WAY HOME. DEALER UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM AND CLAIMS INABILITY TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR. *AK

Look up ODI 754821 at NHTSA ↗

26.5%
ODI 605742

ANTI LOCK BRAKES MAKE SHRILL NOISE AND THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, BRAKES WORN EXCESSIVELY.

Look up ODI 605742 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 984104

DRIVERS SEAT TRACK AN ANCHORS ARE BROKEN, CAUSING SEAT TO INCLINED POSITION. *AK

Look up ODI 984104 at NHTSA ↗

413.3%
ODI 10135160

DT: THE OWNER IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL NUMBER 99V045000. THE RECALL IS IN REGARDS TO THE SEAT RECLINER. THE OWNER ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND WHILE TRYING TO GET COMFORTABLE THE SEAT RECLINER FELL BACK. THE OWNER LOOKED UP THE RECALL INFORMATION BEFORE SHE PURCHASE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED IT WAS UNDER RECALL. THE OWNER WAS SURE THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE ABLE TO BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT WAS RECALLED. UPON SERVICE AT THE DEALER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE RECLINER FOR FREE. …

Look up ODI 10135160 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 766057

I WAS STOPPED ON AN INTERSTATE, AND REAR ENDED BY A CHEVROLET SEDAN. IT SLAMMED MY CAR INTO A MINIVAN IN FRONT OF ME. THE FRONT AND BACK OF MY CAR ACCORDIANED, AND MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FLIPPED BACK AND PINNED THE BACK PASSENGER IN THE SEAT BEHIND. NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT I FEEL THAT AN ACCIDENT WHICH COMPLETELY SQUISHED MY CAR (ALSO CAUSING STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE FRAME, ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD OPEN AFTER THE ACCIDENT) SHOULD HAVE HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY, AND THE FRO…

Look up ODI 766057 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10189019

REGARDING A WIRE THAT BROKE OFF ON THE SEAT OF HIS 1996 SATURN SW2 WAGON AND IS STICKING UP VERTICALLY -WIRE WENT THROUGH HIS PANTS AND SKIN**CC CONSUMER STATED CONTACTED SATURN ESTABLISHMENT AND WAS INFORMED BY SATURN FACTORY TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER. DEALER INFORMED CUSTOMER ENTERING THE CAR INCORRECTLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10189019 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 735104

SEATS COLLAPSED WHEN REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT LIGHT--IF PASSENGER WAS IN BACK SEAT, THERE IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS INJURY. IF IT'S A SMALL CHILD, DEATH FROM THE IMPACT OF THE COLLAPSING SEAT COULD CAUSE DEATH.*AK

Look up ODI 735104 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 550198

DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE SEATS, WHICH ARE ANGLED BACK FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, THE CHILD SAFETY SEATS DO NOT FIT PROPERLY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURIES IF IN ACCIDENT. *MJS

Look up ODI 550198 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 755017

THE HIGH SPEED AIRBAG DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S FACE, BREAKING TEETH, GLASSES, AND BITE GUARD. *AK

Look up ODI 755017 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 806861

DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, APPLIED BRAKES (ABS) HARD, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, SLID ABOUT 30 FEET W/BLACK TIRE MARKS BEHIND VEHICLE, REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK

Look up ODI 806861 at NHTSA ↗

25.6%
ODI 766057

I WAS STOPPED ON AN INTERSTATE, AND REAR ENDED BY A CHEVROLET SEDAN. IT SLAMMED MY CAR INTO A MINIVAN IN FRONT OF ME. THE FRONT AND BACK OF MY CAR ACCORDIANED, AND MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FLIPPED BACK AND PINNED THE BACK PASSENGER IN THE SEAT BEHIND. NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT I FEEL THAT AN ACCIDENT WHICH COMPLETELY SQUISHED MY CAR (ALSO CAUSING STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE FRAME, ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD OPEN AFTER THE ACCIDENT) SHOULD HAVE HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY, AND THE FRO…

Look up ODI 766057 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.2%
ODI 522623

FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON.

Look up ODI 522623 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 830449

CONSUMER WAS COMING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT GOING SOUTH. THE PERSON WAS DRIVING NORTH MAKING A LEFT TURN THE DRIVER MADE A LEFT TURN TOO SHORT, AND IN THE PROCESS THEY HIT EACH OTHER. CONSUMER'S AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS HURT, SUFFERED A HAIRLIKE FRACTURE ON HER TAIL BONE. *AK

Look up ODI 830449 at NHTSA ↗

212.5%
ODI 728058

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 DAUGH…

Look up ODI 728058 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.7%
ODI 969052

BRAKES ARE UNSAFE-NOT OPERATING PROPERLY-BRAKES PEDAL GO DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND HAVE GRINDING NOISE. TT

Look up ODI 969052 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 516186

BRAKE REPAIR 4 TIMES--ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED.

Look up ODI 516186 at NHTSA ↗

38.3%
ODI 478155

BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 478155 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 508877

RIM BENT.

Look up ODI 508877 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 565516

CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS DEFECTIVE BRAKES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A HOT SPOT ON THE BRAKE DISC WHICH CAUSES RUBBING, THE DEALER ALSO STATED THE PROBLEM IS A RESULT OD DRIVEABILITY OR MISHANDLING OF THE VEHICLE.*MJ

Look up ODI 565516 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range115,091 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10150547 · 115,091 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE STILL APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE HIT A HIGHWAY SIGN AND A TREE. SEATBELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOTICED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT…

Look up ODI 10150547 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range94,501 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10038889 · 94,501 mi

OIL IN COOLING SYSTEM,CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. I HAD JUST SLOWED DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN IN A 35 MPH ZONE. OTHER WEB SIGHTS CLAIM THIS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE HIGH WAY. I WAS NOT INFORMED WHEN I REGISTERED AS THE NEW OWNER THAT THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR BULLENTINS, CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH " NO DEFECTS". *PH

Look up ODI 10038889 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range138,677 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10000171 · 138,677 mi

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING A DEER HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. TS

Look up ODI 10000171 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 26 reports

2000: 6 complaints · 2001: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000246
2001111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20001131
2001600

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentVehicle Speed ControlSeatsEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipAir BagsSeat BeltsSeats:Front Assembly:ReclinerService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
Vehicle Speed Control—0000000
Seats0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00—00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip000—0000
Air Bags0000—000
Seat Belts00000—00
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner000000—0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 115,091 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10150547 · 115,091 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE STILL APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE HIT A HIGHWAY SIGN AND A TREE. SEATBELTS WERE WORN HOWEVER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOTICED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT…

Look up ODI 10150547 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 873490

VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH OVERHEATING WHENEVER A/C WAS BEING USED. ALSO , THIS PROBLEM CAUSED VEHICLE TO JERK WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 873490 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b