1994 Saturn Sw problems
Social links
Common 1994 Saturn Sw problems
The 1994 Saturn SW is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine, transmission, and electrical issues.
- Fine wire electrode spark plugs: The S-Series has an early distributorless ignition system that is particular about spark plugs. Narrow fine wire electrodes often cause problems, leading to a p0300 code and poor performance. The recommended solution is to use the original equipment (OE) spark plugs, such as NGK BKR5ESA-11 (DOHC) and BKR4ESA-11 (SOHC).
- Throttle position sensor failure: This component has a higher than normal failure rate in the 1994 Saturn SW. Symptoms include a high idle, typically around 1600 RPM. If shutting off and restarting the car causes the idle to drop, and the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECTS) is functioning properly, it's likely the throttle position sensor. The aftermarket replacements have a quality problem, so finding a low-mileage junkyard replacement or ordering the OE part (~$70) is recommended.
- Crankshaft position sensor failure: This is a recurring failure, particularly when the engine is hot. The car will suddenly die and not restart until it cools. Aftermarket replacements seem to work, but the original equipment sensor is the best option.
- Intake manifold gasket leak: This issue affects third-generation (00-02) SOHC (Sx1) cars. Symptoms include a sporadic or consistently high idle, p0300, p0301, or p0302 codes. Spraying carb cleaner around the intake, specifically the #1 runner, can confirm the problem. Replacing the intake manifold gasket is the solution.
- Coolant leak in the intake manifold: This affects 00-02 DOHC cars, with a slow but significant leak around where the coolant hose runs into the manifold near cylinder #4. A specific product is available to fix this problem.
- Broken coil springs: This issue affects third-generation (00-02) cars. When doing struts, replacing the springs with OE junkyard replacements from a gen-1 or gen-2 car is recommended.
- F6, F5, F2 IPJB fuse block segment overheating: This is caused mainly by overdrawing from the 12v socket or high-power aftermarket accessories drawing from the same circuit. Melted plastic around the fuse is a sign of this problem. Re-springing the connector or replacing the entire IPJB is the solution.
- Transmission problems: Shifting issues, such as difficulty finding gears, can be caused by a faulty valve body or Trans Control Module (TCM). The TCM is integrated into the PCM, and replacing it can be expensive. It's essential to ensure the correct valve body is used for the specific model, as different years may have varying compatibility.
- Electrical issues: Problems with the electrical system, such as the key falling out on its own or the car not starting after sitting for more than two days, can be caused by various factors. These issues may require further diagnosis and troubleshooting to identify the root cause and find a solution.
1994 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
- Seats problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Saturn Sw vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Saturn Sw
The NHTSA has received 37 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Saturn Sw. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Saturn Sw vehicles.
2010-02-06
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-02
- VIN: 1G8ZK8570RZ
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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
2006-02-17
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZJ8579RZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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 NOTIFIED NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
2005-09-02
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-13
- VIN: 1G8ZK8576RZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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. THE OWNER CHECKED WITH SATURN AND FOUND OUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE OWNER WANTS TO COMPLAIN THAT THE MANUFACTURER GETS TO CHOOSE WHICH VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS TO INCLUDE. SATURN DID NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONSUMER WANTS THE SEAT FIXED FREE OF CHARGE. *JB
2003-09-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-14
- VIN: 1G8ZH8594RZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
2002-12-17
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH8596RZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING A DEER HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. TS
2001-09-12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G8ZK8578RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
2001-05-16
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-06
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE, AFTER INSPECTING VEHICLE IT WAS DETERMINED BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED DUE TO A NUT THAT VIBRATED OFF CAUSING BRAKE BOOSTER TO BREAK. *JB
2001-05-16
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-26
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
2000-10-20
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-10
- VIN: 1G8ZK85774R
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
2000-06-07
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-02
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK8575RZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SPIN FREELY AND CAR ENDED UP IN A DITCH. CRADLE BOLTS MISSING. DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS PROBABLY CAUSED THE FRONT END TO SPREAD AND THE RACK AND PINION TO DISENGAGE.
2000-05-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: 1G8ZJ8571RZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: UPPER MOTOR MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE TO SHIFT. THE MOUNT WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. ORIGINAL MOTOR MOUNTS WERE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES IN JUNE OF 95. *AK *ML
1999-11-19
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH8598RZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT FAILED IN REAR IMPACT. THIS CAR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED TO REPLACE SOME PART OF THE SEAT BACK.
1999-09-29
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-29
- VIN: 1G8ZJ8573RZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: REFERENCE RECALL 99V045000. PARTS USED IN 94 MODEL IDENTICAL TO LATER YEAR, CONFIRMED BY DEALER PARTS COUNTER. DEALER MECHANIC INDICATED HIS BELIEF THAT THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY RECALL. FAILURE MODE IDENTICAL TO THAT DESCRIBED IN RECALL. SEAT BACK SLIPPED OUT OF POSITION WHEN VEHICLE STATIONARY, I HAD PLACED MY HAND ON THE TOP OF THE SEATBACK TO BRACE MYSELF TO PUT AN ITEM ON THE DASH WHEN THE SEATBACK RECLINED WITH A LOUD "POP". SEATBACK HAS RECLINED ADDITIONAL 2 TO 3 TEETH SINCE INITIAL MOVEMENT.
1999-07-27
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZH8591RZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE AT REST, MY CAR WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AND FORCED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS EXTENSIVELTY DAMAGED. ACTUAL VALUE YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ALTHOUGH IT SEEMED APPROPRIATE FOR IT TO DO SO. OUR INSURANCE ADJUSTOR (STATE FARM) WILL NOT COMMENT ON THE AIR BAG'S FAILURE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS ALSO FORCED INTO A FULL RECLINE POSITION AND REMAINED LOCKED IN PLACE THERE. THIS WOULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT IF HE HAD BEEN PRESENT. OUR INSURANCE ADJUSTOR LIKEWISE DOWNPLAY'S THIS FAILURE. WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THE RECALL INFO AT YOUR WEBSITE ((NHTSA ID # 99V045000 INTERIOR SYSTEM SEATS) OUR SATURN DEALER DENIES ANY RECALL INVOLVING OUR VEHICLE AND SUGGESTS YOUR WEBSITE IS PROVIDING ERRONEOUS INFORMATION. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
1999-06-25
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZJ8579RZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: I HAD CALLED SATURN OF MELBOURNE, FL AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL FOR SEAT HINGES. I WAS REAR ENDED ON JUNE 24, 1999 AND THE SEAT HINGE FAILED. *AK
1998-11-15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-14
- VIN: 1G8ZJ8571RZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. OCCASIONALLY THE CRUSE CONTROL WHILE ACTIVATED WILL ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE TO SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 100 MPH (IF ALLOWED TO DO SO). THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE WHEN IT SHOULD, HOWEVER IF THE DRIVER IS NOT WATCHING THE SPEEDOMETER THE VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY SPEED UP ON ITS OWN. I HAVE SPOKEN TO TWO PEOPLE AT SATURN OF BRANFORD (BRANFORD CT) AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS A COMPONENT FAILURE AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY THE ESTIMATED $200.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SATURN SHOULD PAY FOR THE PART AND I PAY FOR LABOR, ETC. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING, HAVING TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE FIELD THAT THESE SYSTEMS ARE SUPPOSED TO FAIL IN DECELERATION OR NO RESPONSE MODE ONLY. I BELIEVE THAT HAVING THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM FAIL IN A WIDE OPEN ACCELERATION MODE COULD BE A DANGEROUS CONDITION TO INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS. THANK YOU FOR TAKING A REPORT ON THIS MATTER.
1998-08-26
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZK8575RZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE SEATBACK LATCH BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT BACK TO FALL BACKWARDS AND CAUSED INJURIES. DEALER REPLACED THE LATCH. *AK
1998-06-25
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-17
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- VIN: 1G8ZK8573R2
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: FRONT SEATS MOVED BACK AND INJURED REAR PASSENGERS DURING COLLISION, DUE TO SEATS MOVING, FRONT PASSENGERS RECEIVED INJURIES ALSO.
1997-11-19
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GBZK857XRZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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
1997-04-21
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-20
- VIN: 1G82J8573RV
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES, OWNER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE ABS BRAKES BUT WITH THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER. THE PISTON FREEZES UP AND STICKS. OWNER NOTES THAT HE HEARD NOISES PRIOR TO BRINGING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT. *AK
1997-04-15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-11
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED/OUT OF ROUND.
1997-04-15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-29
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS REPLACED.
1997-04-15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-12
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED.
1997-04-04
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-28
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR DOESN'T HOLD FLUID, WASHERS FAIL WHEN FLUID IN CONTAINER.
1997-04-04
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-06
- VIN: 1G8ZH8593RZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKES FAILED.
1994 Saturn Sw recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 Saturn Sw.
1999-03-12
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Saturn Sw problems:
Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t26257_ds41828
Feb 1, 2007 ... The main problem is oil consumption, they all do it and sometimes it's severe. The single cam engine have issues with head cracking but it's ...
Saturn SW2 Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/saturn/sw2
Problem with your Saturn SW2? Our list of 13 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Saturn SW2.
Who has a Saturn w/more than 75K on it? Does it leak oil ...
https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/who-has-a-saturn-w-more-than-75k-on-it-does-it-leak-oil.717063/
My 94 Saturn ... According to the saturn dealership, it's a common problem with that range of years. ... SW/SC) are infamous with the oil burning/ ...
Horn not working a common problem? - Saturn Forum - Saturn ...
https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/general-tech-help-13/horn-not-working-common-problem-5436/
Feb 8, 2011 ... Both located in the block under the hood. The horn relay switch 12 volts d.c. to the horn and supplies power through the dark green wire at the ...
Common Problems with 2006 Saturn Vue: Q&A on Ignition Switch ...
https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/3jvu9-wife-2006-saturn-vue-95k-miles-having.html
May 26, 2010 ... My wife has a 2006 Saturn Vue (95k+ miles) and has been having ignition problems too. We thought it was her after - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Saturn Sw
Are you having problems with your 1994 Saturn Sw?
Leave your review of 1994 Saturn Sw