1993 Saturn Sw problems

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1993 Saturn Sw

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Common 1993 Saturn Sw problems

The Saturn SW2, produced from 1993 to 2001, was a compact wagon that was part of the Saturn S-series. While the SW2 was well-regarded for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality, it also had some common issues that owners reported.

  • Engine Noise: Some owners reported that the Saturn SW2's engine could be noisy, especially when driven at high speeds or under heavy loads. This issue was often caused by worn or loose engine mounts, which could allow the engine to move excessively and create noise.
  • Oil Loss: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2 could lose oil, especially when driven hard for long periods of time. This issue was often caused by worn or damaged oil seals, which could allow oil to leak out of the engine.
  • Transmission Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's transmission could shift roughly or slip, especially when the vehicle was driven aggressively or under heavy loads. This issue was often caused by worn or damaged transmission components, such as the clutch or the torque converter.
  • Electrical Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2 could have electrical issues, such as intermittent starting or dimming headlights. This issue was often caused by worn or damaged electrical components, such as the battery or the alternator.
  • Rust: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2 could develop rust, especially if the vehicle was driven in areas with road salt or high humidity . This issue was often caused by poor paint quality or poor drainage from the vehicle's body panels.
  • Suspension Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's suspension could be noisy or wear out prematurely, especially if the vehicle was driven aggressively or under heavy loads. This issue was often caused by worn or damaged suspension components, such as the struts or the bushings.
  • Air Conditioning Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's air conditioning could blow warm air or not work at all. This issue was often caused by low refrigerant levels or a malfunctioning compressor.
  • Power Steering Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's power steering could be noisy or leak fluid. This issue was often caused by worn or damaged power steering components, such as the pump or the hoses.
  • Interior Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's interior could be prone to wear or damage, especially if the vehicle was driven frequently or under heavy loads. This issue was often caused by poor quality materials or poor design.
  • Exterior Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's exterior could be prone to damage or wear, especially if the vehicle was driven frequently or in harsh conditions. This issue was often caused by poor quality materials or poor design.
  • Fuel System Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's fuel system could be prone to leaks or malfunctions, especially if the vehicle was driven frequently or under heavy loads. This issue was often caused by worn or damaged fuel system components, such as the fuel pump or the fuel injectors.
  • Body Issues: Some owners reported that their Saturn SW2's body could be prone to damage or wear, especially if the vehicle was driven frequently or in harsh conditions. This issue was often caused by poor quality materials or poor design.

In conclusion, the Saturn SW2 was a reliable and practical vehicle that was well-regarded by its owners. However, like any vehicle, it was not immune to issues and had some common problems that owners reported. These issues included front brake rotor wear, engine noise, oil loss, transmission issues, electrical issues, rust, suspension issues, air conditioning issues, power steering issues, interior issues, exterior issues, fuel system issues, and body issues. If you own a Saturn SW2 or are considering purchasing one, it is important to be aware of these common issues and to address them promptly if they occur.

1993 Saturn Sw engine

1993 Saturn Sw car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sw problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Structure problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Saturn Sw vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1993 Saturn Sw

The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Saturn Sw. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Saturn Sw vehicles.

2004-08-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-08-23
  • VIN: 1G8ZH8596PZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 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
2003-10-06

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-06
  • VIN: 1G8ZK857XPZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 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
2003-08-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8572PZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I CURRENTLY OWN A 1993 SATURN SW2. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALLS ON MY CAR. TODAY MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WENT ONT HE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE 3 DIFFERENT RECALLS ON MY CAR THAT COULD START A FIRE. I CALLED SATURN AT THE HONOLULU OFFICE. I GAVE THEM MY VIN # AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS ON MY CAR. I TOLD THEM THAT I PULLED UP 3 DIFFERENT RECALLS ON 3 DIFFERENT WEBSITE CLAIMING THAT MY CAR TYPE HAD RECALLS. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.THIS IS BECAUSE MY CAR WASN'T IN THERE SATURN RECALL SYSTEM TO BE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY IS IT THAT OTHER COMPANYS HAVE INFORMATION ON SATURN RECALLS AND SATURN DOESNT HAVE A LISTING ON WHAT IS RECALLED. WHAT CAN I DO. I HAVE NO CAR NOW BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO FIX WHAT I THINK SHOULD BE FIXED BECAUSE OF ONE OF THE RECALLS THAT WAS LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE. PLEASE HELP ANY ONE THAT KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. MY KIDS AND MYSELF COULDVE DIED TODAY DUE TO THIS OVERSEEN RECALL.*AK
2002-04-29

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-02
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8577PZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SHOULDER BELT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, CAUSING A HARD PLASTIC PIECE TO STICK. ON CONSUMER IN BACK AND TOP OF HEAD. *AK
2001-11-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-23
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1993SATURNT
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE HIGH SPEED AIRBAG DAMAGED THE DRIVER'S FACE, BREAKING TEETH, GLASSES, AND BITE GUARD. *AK
2001-01-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-15
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: MOTOR BELTS ARE FAILING TO OPERATE; DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THAT PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL, AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. \ FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
2000-12-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-19
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8578PZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER BRAKES WILL MALFUNCTION, AND WILL NOT WORK AS DURING DRY/WARMER WEATHER, COULD STEP ON BRAKES AND OPERATE AS SHOULD BE.*AK
2000-05-02

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-05-02
  • VIN: 1G8ZJ8577PZ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: BRACKET UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS BROKE AND RUSTED, AND WAS STILL HOLDING BY A PLATE. THE BRACKET HOLDS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE ELECTRICAL WIRE AWAY FROM OTHER WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT CHAFING AND FAILURE OF THE WIRE. THE RIVET HAD BRAOKEN AND THE WIRE INSULATION WAS RUBBED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE OWNER MADE THE REPAIRS HIMSELF. *AK *ML
1999-11-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-09
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8570PZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 30MPH VEHICLE DIED OUT. RECEIVED A JUMP START FROM AAA. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START THAT SATURDAY. THE ALTERNATORS KEPT BLOWING OUT. FIRST ONE BLEW OUT IN 1998 & WAS BRAND NEW. THE OTHER TWO FOLLOWED NOT LONG AFTERWARDS. EACH TIME THEY WOULD BLOW OUT, THEY WOULD BURN OUT BATTERY. WOULD GET NEW ALTERNATOR & BATTERY EACH TIME AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. *AK
1999-08-31

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-08-29
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE SHOULDER HARNESS REPEATEDLY FAILS. LOCAL SATURN KNOWS OF PROBLEM. SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO DEFICIENT DESIGN/LOCATION OF CONTROL MODULE.
1999-06-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-22
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: STITCHES ON THE SEAT BELT ARE COMING LOOSE, AND SEAT BELT ISN'T SUPPORTING THE CONSUMER THAT IS USING THE SEAT BELT. *AK
1999-05-24

CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8572PZ
  • Components: CHILD SEAT
  • Summary: EVEN SATURN CANT FIND US A CHILD SAFTY SEAT THAT FITS THIS CAR FOR A 30# CHILD. *AK
1998-12-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
  • VIN: REFUSE
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SHOULDER BELT FOR DRIVER SHOULD SLIDE ON TRACK AND IT DOES NOT. DEALER CONTACTED AND STATES THE CABLE THAT SHOULD MOVE THE BELT IS BUSTED. DEALER CAN REPAIR AT $400. EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT. CONSUMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
1998-11-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-20
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8579PZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE UP ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ,AND THE VEHICLE WASN'T STARTING. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD THE WATER PUMP REPLACED AND THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AGAIN. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND STILL IS ON. BACK WINDSHIELD AND DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING, AND THE DEALER REPLACED DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
1998-09-25

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8572PZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS BRAKES FAILED. AFTER STARTING AND PULLING OUT AT A SLOW SPEED, 4 MPH, THE BRAKES WILL GO TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER STATES THAT IT'S A DESIGN FLAW AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK
1998-04-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-18
  • VIN: 1G8ZK857OPZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: VALVE BODY IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING LAG TIME IN ENGAGEMENT OF GEARS.
1997-12-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-12
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER LOOSENED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1997-10-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN THE OWNER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *AK
1997-04-02

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED.
1996-11-27

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZH8597PZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED DUE TO A STICKING THROTTLE, WHILE IN PARK IT HAS HIGH IDLE - 2000 RPMS, WHEN GEAR IS CHANGED IT WILL NOT REDUCE THE RPMS. *AK
1996-10-25

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G8ZK8573PZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: DISC BRAKES WARPED.
1996-08-09

STRUCTURE,CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE,CHILD SEAT
  • Summary: VEHICLE IS NOT DESIGNED FOR CHILD SAFETY SEATS THAT NEED TO USE TETHER STRAP. HE HAS TALKED WITH EVENFLO, SATURN AND NHTSA AND STILL HAS NO CONCLUSION OF PROBLEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK
1996-05-06

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-30
  • VIN: 1G8ZG8599PZ
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SEAT TRACK AN ANCHORS ARE BROKEN, CAUSING SEAT TO INCLINED POSITION. *AK
1996-01-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-03
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE BRAKE COMPONENT WEAR, REPLACED ROTORS, AND PADS. TT
1996-01-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-03
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE BRAKE COMPONENT WEAR, REPLACED ROTORS, AND PADS. TT

1993 Saturn Sw recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 Saturn Sw.

1993-08-10
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
  • Summary: THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
  • Consequence: SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
1993-05-25
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
  • Summary: THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL AT THE STARTER SOLENOID MAY BE FORMED INCORRECTLY. INCORRECTLY FORMED TERMINALS CAN CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT.
  • Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE ANDTHE STARTER HOUSING CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
  • Remedy: INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TERMINAL SO THAT IT DOES NOT CONTACT THE STARTER SOLENOID HOUSING.
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Other years of Saturn Sw

saturn sw 1994 photo
Sw 1994
Saturn

37

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saturn sw 1995 photo
Sw 1995
Saturn

41

2

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saturn sw 1996 photo
Sw 1996
Saturn

26

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saturn sw 1997 photo
Sw 1997
Saturn

31

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saturn sw 1998 photo
Sw 1998
Saturn

28

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saturn sw 1999 photo
Sw 1999
Saturn

20

1

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  • 1

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